Torbay gritters hit the roads tonight as temperatures fall below zero

Torbay Council has confirmed that its fleet of six gritters, operated by partner contractor SWISCo, will be out from 8pm tonight (Friday 13 February) treating all designated gritting routes across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham.

The move comes after weather monitoring showed road temperatures expected to fall below zero, prompting precautionary action to combat potential ice.

The council's winter maintenance team monitors forecasts daily from October to April, with inspectors ready to check conditions around the clock if freezing is predicted.

Despite the area's traditionally mild coastal climate, Torbay spends around £150,000 each year on winter preparations to handle everything from snow to freezing rain. Gritting follows a national code of practice, prioritising key routes to keep essential traffic moving safely.

Priority is given in three tiers:

• Priority A: Strategic and principal roads, important classified roads and bus routes
• Priority B: Other classified roads, key unclassified roads and bus routes
• Priority C: Estate and minor access roads in hilly or exposed areas, plus some important footways (only in prolonged severe conditions, after higher priorities are cleared)

Within Priorities A and B, routes are colour-coded based on how quickly they are expected to freeze: red (coldest/highest risk first), blue, green and yellow. The red route includes particularly vulnerable sections, such as Albany Road in Paignton (from Shorton Valley Road to Windmill Road), Ascension Way in Torquay, Brixham Road and others across the bay area.

Not all roads can be treated due to limited time and resources – the primary salting network covers about 37% of the total highway length.

The action aligns with a broader Met Office yellow warning for ice across much of the South West, including Devon, which runs from this evening and highlights risks of slippery untreated surfaces on roads, pavements and cycle paths as clear skies allow temperatures to plummet after any evening rain or sleet clears.

Council officials urged drivers to take extra care near gritting vehicles and on potentially icy roads overnight. Residents can check the latest gritting decisions and route maps via torbay.gov.uk for real-time updates.