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Gritting teams kept busy
GRITTING teams have been called upon twice as often as usual so far this winter to treat Hornsea's roads.
The cold snap at the end of December and during the first few days of the New Year has meant more work has been needed to keep roads passable.
John Skidmore, head of streetscene services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "Within the East Riding we would normally expect to undertake treatments about 109 times in a whole winter season.
"But this year up to the end of December alone the council mobilised drivers 77 times which is more than twice as many treatments as we would normally expect by this time.
"So far we have used approximately 9,000 tonnes of salt - almost the same amount used during the whole of the 2007/08 winter season.
"Often rainfall and freezing conditions have meant that we have had to treat the network continuously during some periods."
Met Office figures show the UK has had its coldest start to a winter for more than 30 years.
Coun Matthew Grove, portfolio holder for highway maintenance, Streetscene and emergency planning, said: "So far this season has been an especially busy one for our winter maintenance team, which has been working around the clock to keep the major routes in the region open.
"This is vital work which ensures people throughout the East Riding, and visitors to the area, are able to make important journeys. However, we would still advise all road users to be extremely cautious on any road, whether treated or not, in freezing temperatures.
"Always remember to drive appropriately for the conditions."
There is perhaps some respite on the way. Forecasters are predicting milder conditions during January and February, although still with the chance of cold weather at times.
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Weather for Bridlington
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -0 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: -4 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: South
