With roughly 156 miles of road to be treated, the council has confirmed that its teams will now be operating ‘24 hours a day’ until March next year.

Key routes such as those used by buses, as well as roads connected to hospitals and the city centre will be prioritised, according to the local authority, with an estimated 300 tonnes of grit on hand to deliver services.

The council is also using weather forecasting data and road sensors to track temperatures, supporting route planning and treating strategies.

Cllr Trevor Muten, Cabinet member for Transport and City Infrastructure, said: ‘Our gritting service is really important for keeping the city moving during the colder months.’

He added: ‘As we do each year, we’re always reviewing our winter maintenance plans to ensure we’re in the best position to react and deal with cold weather, that our gritting routes are robust and that grit bins are full.

‘But it’s important that people take care on the roads and drive to the conditions so we all keep safe this winter.’

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