GRITTING teams are heading out tonight as temperatures are set to dip to below freezing overnight.

The fleet of 31 gritters will hit the county's primary routes from 8pm tonight.

Latest MET Office forecasts suggest that the county will experience scattered showers during early evening before skies clear, allowing temperatures to drop to -2.

Winter service inspections will take place throughout the weekend to assess the weather and road conditions throughout Worcestershire, with Saturday also looking cold and windy with the possibility of an overnight frost.

Motorists are again being urged to drive with caution, remember that gritting is not a miracle solution, and temper their driving according to the conditions.

Jon Fraser, county council highways customer and community manager, said: "After a few days respite from gritting and focussing on repairing potholes across the county, our teams will be back on the gritters tonight to treat primary routes.

"The message is the same, but as important as ever - please remember to slow down and leave extra space between yourself and the vehicle in front to allow for extra stopping time in icy conditions.

"Gritting is very effective, but it is not a miracle solution, and I urge all drivers to temper their driving according to the conditions."