WITH the cold weather set to continue, crews from Hertfordshire Highways are gearing up for a busy weekend.

Low temperatures, including overnight lows of minus six, are expected to last for the next week, with possible outbreaks of snow this weekend.

Stuart Pile, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “We will continue to salt all the main routes around the county and will be salting before any snow arrives and ploughing through it on main routes, as necessary.

“While salt is the best material we have available to treat snow and ice and we’re confident our supplies will see us through this cold snap, please remember that salt isn’t a magic powder that always makes roads completely safe. Please take care if you’re out and about in the next week and allow extra time for your journeys.”

So far this winter, Herts Highways has carried out 29 salting runs and currently has 10,000 tonnes of salt in stock.

It also has more than 1,000 salt bins across the county at known trouble spots and has supplied salt to district, borough and parish councils so they can help keep key routes, particularly pavements, safer during cold spells.

Mr Pile continued: “Salt bins are placed for public use at known trouble spots on the highway and there is advice on our website about how best to use this salt to help your community during cold weather.

“Unfortunately, we often have salt stolen from our bins. Please be aware that theft from these bins may compromise the safety of others as well as being a criminal offence.”

Further information about Hertfordshire County Council’s winter service is available at www.hertsdirect.org/salting

This includes tips about driving safely and preparing cars for cold weather, as well as advice about clearing snow and ice outside your home.

Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service have also issued a reminder to residents that frozen water is not safe and children and adults should keep off it at all times. Owners should also avoid walking their pets near frozen water or make sure dogs are kept on leads.

Advice on winter fire safety in the home can be found at www.hertsdirect.org/fire