Gritters map shows which Cornwall roads will be treated tonight as temperatures plummet

Gritters will be out in force across Cornwall as temperatures take a plunge this week. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow cold weather health alert for the South West which is in place until 6pm on Saturday (November 23).

Many roads across the county will be gritted by Cormac with around 5,500 tonnes of salt - the equivalent weight of 11 Jumbo Jets - expected to be used over the winter. Meanwhile, main trunk roads such as the A30 to Penzance and the A38 will be gritted by National Highways.

You might spot Choughed to Grits, Salty McSaltash and Gritchard Trevithick, among others, taking to our streets this winter after residents nominated and voted for their top 25 gritter names. The Cormac crew consists of 78 members who are on 24-hour standby between November and March. They use information from 22 road sensors and weather forecasts to take action on icy areas.

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It takes around three hours to grit each of Cornwall Council's 25 routes. They cover around 1,400km (870 miles) and include the most heavily used A and B roads in the county.

Roads to key sites such as hospitals, minor injury units, ambulance and fire stations, bus and railway stations and secondary schools are also treated. For the full Cornwall gritting map, click here.

Connor Donnithorne, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport, said: “Each winter our crews work hard traveling thousands of miles in often treacherous conditions to keep our busiest roads open.

“However, it isn’t possible to treat every road in Cornwall and so drivers should always take particular care at this time of year – don’t assume a road has been treated or is frost free. It can take up to ten times longer to stop in icy conditions.”

Steve Bayley, Cormac’s highways network manager, said: “It’s important to understand that salting does not melt snow and ice instantaneously. The mixture needs time to take effect and sleet, hail and rain can also cause problems with the salt being washed off the road.

“You may not see the gritters, but if the weather forecast indicates sub-zero temperatures, the gritters will be out, usually in the early hours of the morning. Before you set out, check your vehicle, the road conditions and the weather forecast. If conditions are poor, and journeys are not essential, consider waiting until the weather gets better.”

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