It may only be autumn – but Cheshire East Council's highways teams are already fully prepared to help keep the borough's roads open and safe this winter.

Salt stocks have been replenished and the highways service's 16 gritters will be on standby around the clock to treat Cheshire East's road network.

The focus is on the most critical parts of the road network including key local amenities, public transport routes and other risks – such as cold spots and access to hospitals, ambulance stations and fire stations.

During the winter, weather conditions are monitored closely and gritting teams will treat up to 1,020 kilometres (635 miles) of road when icy conditions are forecast, to keep key routes and services running as normal.

The gritters, which feature location trackers enabling members of the public to track them live online, will be on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week from now until the end of April.

Cllr Craig Browne, chair of the council's highways and transport committee, said: "Our winter season can stretch over a six-month period, so it was vital that our gritters are ready and our salt stocks remain high.

"Winter weather can be extremely unpredictable, so we monitor the weather forecast closely to ensure that our gritting routes are treated at the right time. We also urge residents to take great care when driving or walking when it's icy or snowing.

"The council will routinely treat key routes across the borough but we cannot ensure that all roads will be completely clear of snow or ice, so please take care – especially on untreated roads."

During periods of severe winter weather conditions, such as snowfall or prolonged freezing, gritting and snow clearing will be carried out on other roads when the main routes are clear and resources are available. It is usual in such circumstances to respond to requests where a specific problem has been identified, such as access to health care, emergency vehicles or farms.

For more information on gritting routes visit https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways_and_roads/road-maintenance/well-managed-highway-infrastructure.aspx