Saltash on standby for snow

People in Saltash are being advised to take care as snow and ice are predicted to affect parts of east Cornwall over night tonight and into Friday morning. The Met Office has issued an amber warning of snow and teams from CORMAC will be carrying out precautionary salting from midnight tonight.

Cornwall Council staff are on standby to deal with any problems. Meanwhile officers from the Council's Emergency Management service are monitoring the weather situation closely.

While the salting of roads is a precautionary treatment to reduce the possibility of skidding or more serious accidents, motorists are being reminded that even on pre treated roads it won't stop heavy snow from settling and sleet, hail and rain can cause problems with the salt being washed off the road.

It will also not prevent the formation of black ice when rain falls on sub zero roads so the Council is calling on people to drive according to the road and weather conditions.

"We would always encourage people not to travel in really bad weather if their journey is not essential but, if they have to travel, they need to make sure that they check the forecasts before they set out" said Jeremy Edwards, the Council's Highways Network Manager.

"However drivers should never assume that a road has been treated and, therefore, should always drive with care and in accordance with the road and weather conditions".

The Council has produced a winter driving leaflet containing advice and information on how to drive safely in adverse weather conditions which is available on a special "snow pack" section on the Council's website- www.cornwall.gov.uk

The snow pack area also contains details of the Council's winter maintenance policy and procedures, including details of which roads are treated, advice on how to stay warm during the cold weather, together with a copy of the Government's national Snow Code which gives advice to members of the public on clearing roads and pavements in their local communities.

Staff from the Council's Emergency Management service have been working with the police and the voluntary sector to draw up a list of volunteer 4 x 4 drivers who will help transport essential workers such as nurses and doctors and care workers to and from work during a prolonged period of severe weather.

Adult Care and Support staff have also been liaising with community health staff to ensure that vulnerable members of local communities receive support during emergency situations.

The Council will be using Twitter to provide information about disruptions to services such as school closures caused by the snow and ice as well as posting the information on its website. All information will be sent out on Cornwall Council #ccsnow.

The Highways service is also using Twitter to provide information about the situation on the roads, including details of when the gritters are being sent out, on @cornwallroads.