Hertfordshire Highways workers are busy gearing up for severe weather over the next few days.

Forecasters suggest there is a likelihood of snowfall overnight tonight (Wednesday) and again on Thursday morning.

The team of 59 gritting lorries are on 24-hour standby to help keep the county's roads safe and free from ice.

County councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs, said: "We will be doing all we can over the next few days to ensure the roads are as safe as possible, but motorists need to be particularly careful.

"There are some basic steps that everyone can take to keep themselves safe and comfortable - keep essential items like boots, blankets and a shovel in your car; you never know when you might need them.

"Driving conditions will inevitably be more difficult in bad weather and drivers should take extra care. In extreme conditions, only drive if you really have to."

Hertfordshire Highways salt the county's A and B roads, all bus routes, at least one road in and out of villages, industrial areas and shopping centres. Around 300 tonnes of salt is used on each outing but in extreme weather conditions, up to 2,000 tonnes a day could be spread on the county's roads.

For more information about exactly which roads are gritted in Hertfordshire, visit www.hertsdirect.org/salting.