WORCESTERSHIRE highways gritting and snow clearing teams are ready to swing into action this evening (Wednesday, January 28) with a possible 2cm of snow and sub-zero temperatures forecast in some higher areas of the county from midnight onwards.

Once again, their 'Back to black' snow ploughs will be fitted to some of the gritters to clear and grit roads. Conditions will be monitored and inspected throughout the night with crews remaining on standby and ready to cover some 1,300 miles of county roads.

From around 9pm, a few isolated showers are possible and may give a little sleet at times with accumulations of 0-2cm possible from snow showers by morning. Ice is likely to form on damp, untreated surfaces during the sub-zero perod and also where rain, sleet or snow falls onto frozen surfaces.

Councillor John Smith OBE, County Council Cabinet Member for highways, said: "

The crews will be heading out to treat all designated primary and secondary routes this evening from 6pm. Even though, snowfall levels for Worcestershire are relatively low we will have officers monitoring conditions throughout the night.

 "As always, the main thing for motorist to bear in mind is to never assume it's safe to travel at normal speeds even if you think a highway has been treated. Snow and sleet obviously makes it more difficult for drivers so please don't take any risks."

Further information about the gritting operation, including route maps is available on their website, as well as locations of grit bins, www.worcestershire.gov.uk/gritting.