3 December 2010
I'd like to reassure you we're doing everything we can to keep the county running in difficult circumstances.
Our fleet of gritters have been out in Eastbourne ploughing and gritting the major routes several times over the last two nights. The fact that we spread salt and plough at night often means our gritting lorries go un-noticed and it isn't always obvious whether a road has been treated unless you happen to see a gritter passing.
When we clear snow we have to make sure the snow plough blade doesn't come into contact with the road surface or we risk snagging cats-eyes and manhole covers. As a result, snow ploughing does leave a thin layer of snow behind, which is then salted, but salt alone doesn't melt snow - it's the action of car movements that causes snow to mix with the salt and melt, and in very cold weather even salt won't prevent roads from icing.
In weather like this, one of the best things you can do is think about how you can help yourself. If you can, take sensible steps to clear pavements of snow and ice outside your home, because whilst everyone would like their road and pavement gritted, we have to prioritise major roads to prevent the most serious accidents.
Keep checking our website: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/weather for the very latest information on roads, schools and other council services.
