Herefordshire's gritting team were out on the roads last week carrying out their annual 'dry run' before winter.
The safety of road users is our number one priority, so these trial runs are a crucial part of the preparations to ensure we are ready for the cold weather ahead. The gritters don't spread any salt during these runs but they are a good way to test all the equipment and systems in place, whilst also helping the drivers familiarise themselves with priority routes.
Last winter, Herefordshire's gritting team completed 81 gritting treatments, most of which were carried out during the night.
Simon Robinson, Operations Manager for Balfour Beatty Living Places said: "Each year, during the winter months, our focus remains on ensuring that Herefordshire's highways network is safe for the travelling public and local communities. Our dedicated winter maintenance team will be working around the clock to closely monitor weather forecasts, inspect roads and public footpaths and carry out essential activities such as gritting during adverse weather conditions."