ALMOST 9,000 miles have so far been clocked up by Worcestershire Highways' gritting team as the cold snap hit over the festive period.

Workers have been out ten times, driving the equivalent of going to Delhi, India, and back again, to make sure the county’s roads were safe for those travelling.

Worcestershire County Councillor John Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: “It's been a busy couple of weeks for the gritting crews, which started on Christmas Eve when Santa Claus wasn't the only person out and about doing his rounds.

“As always, teams have been carrying out runs when freezing temperatures have bitten. The fantastic job they do is much appreciated, especially over the holiday period.”

The council claim this year has been the most efficient ever due to the use of the latest salt-spreading technology to help “reduce waste and save taxpayers’ cash”.

Equipment installed on vehicles across the entire fleet has calculated salt spread-rates based on the conditions to make sure the roads are treated correctly.

Mr Smith said: “Weather conditions are monitored at regular intervals each day and the crews will continue to do their stuff when they are needed, covering hundreds of miles worth of road each run.

“As ever, I'd like to push the important message that driving should always be tempered to the weather conditions.

“Grit has never been, or never will be, a miracle cure, so I’d urge everyone to take extra care when gauges drop sub-zero.”

More than 15,000 tonnes of salt was stocked in depots around the county at the start of winter and crews said they still have plenty left to tackle what might be in store throughout the coming weeks or months.

For more information about the county’s gritting operations visit worcestershire.gov.uk/gritting, or to report gritting issues, including requests for grit bin refills, go to worcestershire.gov.uk/reportit