SBC - We’re braced for the next cold snap

Thanks to prudent preparation the Council was well placed to tackle the challenges of winter, revising its priority gritting routes and amassing a stock of 1,200 tonnes of grit salt.

The authority's pre-planning has proved successful during the last two snow episodes and it remains ready to meet any further onslaughts.

During the recent outbreaks of heavy snow gritting crews and officers worked round-the-clock to ensure all main routes remained clear, with each route allocated its own dedicated vehicle.

Before the first cold spell began free grit salt was distributed to 150 key locations such as doctor's surgeries, care homes and sheltered housing complexes.

All grit bins across the borough were re-stocked and several new ones placed at key locations in the town.

Gritting resources were also concentrated on pedestrian crossings, main shopping streets and roads next to schools and hospitals.

Tony Cox, Executive Councillor for Public Protection and Waste, said: "We made sure we were ready for this winter and we have already seen the benefits of this careful preparation.

"We would like to reassure residents that we are constantly monitoring the changing weather conditions so we can act very quickly to send the gritters out.

"We will do our best to ensure the town keeps moving but we urge people to take great care in the snow and ice and keep an eye on elderly or vulnerable residents who may need extra help."

Anyone driving in bad weather is advised to:

• make sure their vehicle is serviced for the winter, with effective windscreen wipers and washers, enough anti-freeze and properly inflated tyres with the correct tread
• check weather and traffic reports before travelling - cleaning and checking lights, windows and mirrors - and only venturing out if your journey is essential
• leave plenty of time for your journey and reduce speed, especially on bends
• avoid sudden actions - accelerate and brake as gently as possible
• use low engine revs and a higher gear when driving on ice
• equip your car with a de-icer, an ice-scraper, torch, warm clothing and boots, a first aid kit, jump leads and a shovel, a warm drink and emergency food in case you break down
• use dipped headlights in poor conditions and especially watch out for pedestrians and cyclists
• take extra care when overtaking vehicles spreading salt or other de-icers
• watch out for snow ploughs which may throw out snow on either side - do not overtake them unless the lane you want to use has been cleared and
• be prepared for road conditions to change over relatively short distances.

More details about the Council's priority gritting routes and how to help yourself and others during adverse weather can be found by visiting http://www.southend.gov.uk/

Click on the A-Z of Services banner at the top of the website, then click on 'W' and then scroll down to winter gritting and click again.