Council prepared for frost, ice and snow

With temperatures plummeting and forecasts of more cold and freezing weather, Brighton & Hove City Council’s winter service team is preparing for frost, ice and snow.

Although the forecast is for settled conditions with bitter winds, there is a possibility of snow locally and the council will be monitoring the weather and road conditions 24/7.

They use the latest weather technology, using specific local forecasts that are updated three times over a 24 hour period so that they can make the most appropriate decisions when treating the highway network needed to keep the city moving and connected.

Almost 50% of all roads will be treated including all A and B roads, every bus route and access areas to emergency centres such as hospitals, ensuring they are safe and passable during adverse weather conditions.

Councillor Gill Mitchell, chair of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “Our staff are ready with salt, grit and vehicles to respond to this next spell of cold weather. Our gritters are going out overnight to pre-treat the roads in advance but we are also ready to react to more severe weather conditions should they develop.”

The gritting team pre-salts the roads to prevent ice or frost forming. The movement of traffic mixes the salt into any surface water to help prevent freezing.

In snow conditions salt will only melt a very thin layer of snow or ice. When this happens the team try to reclaim the roads as soon as possible.

At extremely low temperatures salt has very little effect and deep snow is cleared by ploughing.

During the winter months the city council operates a seven-day, 24 hour winter weather service with staff from highways and Cityclean.

The council has seven gritters, seven ploughs, six hand spreaders, one pavement gritter, three tractors and JCBs and 1,500 tonnes of salt for use during severe weather.

To see how the council prepare for winter, click here:

Top tips to prepare for colder weather 

♦ Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold and ensure they have access to warm food and drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately.

♦ Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long-term illness or are 65 or over.

♦ Stay tuned for weather forecasts, ensure you are stocked with food and medications in advance, have deliveries or ask a friend to help.

♦ Take weather into account when planning your activity over the following days.

♦ If eligible seek entitlements and benefits such as Winter Fuel Payments and Cold Weather Payments, which are available to some.

♦ If you meet the criteria register for priority service with your energy and water suppliers.

♦ Avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold related illness or falls

♦ Discuss with friends and neighbours about clearing snow and ice from in front of your house and public walkways nearby.

Find out about how you can help in severe weather and what the council do:

Keep warm, keep well 

Cold weather can affect your health. Find out how to keep yourself well and your home warm during a cold snap: 

♦ If you are concerned about your health or that of a loved one or neighbour call 111 for medical advice.