As temperatures are set to plummet this week, with forecasters warning there is a possibility of ice and snow tomorrow, gritting machines across Hertfordshire are gearing up for action.

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, as it is expected to this week with rain, sleet and ice forecasted to come, 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, if weather is extreme, up to 1,500 tonnes a day could be spread on the county’s roads.

And on every salting trip, the 58 gritting lorries cover nearly half of Hertfordshire's entire road network - more 1,500 miles (2,200km). It takes around two hours to complete a precautionary salt and the work is normally done outside peak hours.

There are also around 800 salt bins at known trouble spots outside the salting routes, for use on a ‘self serve’ basis.

County Councillor Stuart Pile, Executive Member for Highways, Transport and Rural Affairs, said: "The information at the moment is that there may be ice and wet snow later this week, with road temperatures dropping below zero, so our gritting teams are all ready. Road users should take extra care in these weather conditions.

“As usual for this time of year, the Highways emergency teams are on stand-by round the clock to salt the roads at exactly the right time. The crews keep a constant eye on the latest weather forecasts so that - where possible - salting is carried out before freezing conditions occur."

If you spot a problem with Hertfordshire’s roads, report it by visiting www.hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults or telephone 01438 737320.