The New Year heralds the start of the bleak mid-winter, creating hazardous conditions on the roads. TREVOR PORTER reports.

While snow may look deep crisp and even when it falls in our countryside, its one more danger on our roads.

With the coming of the New Year it heralds the start of the real cold period, when ice and snow is likely and the roads become slippery.

And although the snow is picturesque when it first falls, one team of people would sooner not see it .

Paul Smith, who co-ordinates the team keeping Wiltshire's roads clear in the winter, said: "We're ready for it but we'd rather not, thank you very much. A lot of people have to come into work if there's snow."

Twenty four drivers, plus their supervisors and a duty engineer, will be on standby in case the gritting lorries need to go out across the county over the New Year.

Hi-tech weather forecasts are constantly monitored by council contractors Ringway Parkman. As soon as the temperature starts to fall, the road teams can head out to Wiltshire's eight salt depots.

When the temperatures are predicted to fall below zero, gritting lorries head out across Wiltshire to keep the roads clear of ice.

The lorries are equipped with satellite navigation systems and technology which tracks the amount of salt being deposited. It even records the time the trucks reach sections of their carefully mapped routes.

Highway officers are warning motorists to take care as they head out into Winter Weather.

Mr Smith, who is responsible for managing the county council's network support, said: "We advise people to use a route which they know should be gritted.

"But even then, we say that you should never assume a road has been salted and advise motorists to drive to the conditions."

When the first hard frost of winter came a couple of weeks ago, 12 accidents happened on the county's roads in just two hours.

A police spokesman said: "Fortunately no one was seriously injured but there is a clear message here."

It is vital that throughout the winter motorists spend a little more time preparing for their journey however short. Ensure all car windows are clear of frost and ice and ensure the tyres are at the right pressure.

Wiltshire traffic police dread the cold spells for they know it brings more accidents. With a frost, the motorist visibly sees the temperatures have dropped to sub zero but often do not take enough time to clear their car windows.

They need to completely clear their windscreen and windows for visibility and drive according to the weather conditions by reducing their speed. They need also to be aware that driving on damp roads can suddenly become icy roads when the temperature drops.

Insp Kate Brookes said: "Taking these simple precautions will ensure you are less likely to become a statistic."

Sgt David Melvin, the force's road safety officer, added: "Never assume a road has been salted. Even if it has it is still necessary to lower your speed and keep your distance.

"Avoid harsh acceleration and breaking and give yourself extra time to get to work."

FACTFILE

Wiltshire County Council grits key routes using up to 8,000 tonnes per year.

A team of 24 lorries respond to weather conditions and go into action in sub-zero temperatures.

A further 16 vehicles are called in when more gritting routes are required.

A total of 756 miles are gritted as key routes with a further 745 miles of minor roads also gritted when temperatures plummet to several degrees below freezing.

A single typical precautionary salting treatment costs on average, £13,000.

Wiltshire County Council supplies and maintains about 700 salt bins throughout the county.

In severe cold weather with road temperatures below -8C salt will not be as effective on icy roads.