Council warns of icy Devon roads overnight

Devon County Council has issued a public warning about icy conditions expected overnight and into tomorrow morning.

The council stated that gritting teams will do everything possible to keep Devon’s roads clear tonight, but road users are advised to prepare for challenging conditions during this period.

The cold spell forecast this week has seen the Met Office issue a Yellow Weather Warning for ice and snow from this afternoon until 10am tomorrow morning and a Yellow Weather Warning for snow throughout all of Wednesday.

After heavy rain over the weekend, tonight’s freezing temperatures, combined with a risk of sleet and snow showers, could make roads hazardous.

Devon’s gritting teams have already begun treating higher routes this afternoon and will carry out multiple treatments across approximately 1,700 miles of the county’s main salting routes this evening and overnight.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “After so much rain, this week’s forecast is the worst possible combination of weather conditions for anyone travelling around the county. Ground is already saturated, and there is still runoff on many roads that could potentially become icy by tomorrow morning, particularly off the salting network.

“The ongoing risk of wintry showers overnight and also on Wednesday will undoubtedly make conditions challenging throughout this week. Our teams will be trying to get as much salt onto the roads as possible, but there’s a concern that despite their best efforts, wintry showers could wash that salt away, so please don’t assume a road has been treated. As always, our advice is to drive according to conditions. Please leave plenty of time for your journey, reduce your speed, and take extra care.”

The County Council is reminding people of the following advice:

• Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads, leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold, even salting will not stop ice from forming
• Allow additional time for your journey
• Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front
• Drive with care and according to the conditions
• If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell
• Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not mobile, have a long-term illness, or are 65 or over. The NHS website has more information on staying healthy during cold weather
• Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions