RESIDENTS can keep up to speed with salting decisions and follow the lorries online, thanks to the live tracking system available at www.essex.gov.uk/highways. Each gritting lorry has been fitted with a GPS tracker, which means residents can track the gritting lorries in real-time as they go along their specified routes.

Residents can also receive the latest salting updates by following @Essex_Travel on Twitter.

County Councillor Rodney L Bass, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “Freezing conditions are expected in Essex today and over the week, I urge residents to travel with extra caution, especially on untreated side roads and pavements. Our gritting lorries will be on salting runs when required today and throughout the week.

“Drivers should not rely on gritting as a panacea during winter weather. My strong advice is to drive slower, leave longer distances to the vehicle in front, ensure your vehicle is ready for winter, and keep alert at all times.”

Essex County Council has a winter salt stock of 15,000 tonnes to use on the Essex highways when required.

Essex Highways is required to focus resources on keeping major roads clear, so it operates a specified salting network. This includes all ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads, access routes for emergency services, rural link roads and major public transport routes. To check which routes will be treated, visit www.essex.gov.uk/highways.

The website also features tips and advice on winter driving and how to clear snow and ice safely.