SAFETY experts from the Police and Cambridgeshire County Council are urging drivers not to make any unnecessary journeys in the snow. Gritters have been out four times since 9am yesterday, Thursday, and continued gritting and snow ploughing through the ea

SAFETY experts from the Police and Cambridgeshire County Council are urging drivers not to make any unnecessary journeys in the snow.

Gritters have been out four times since 9am yesterday, Thursday, and continued gritting and snow ploughing through the early hours and will be going out again, as necessary, through the severe cold spell.

Cambridgeshire uses the same pre-wet gritting methods as Scandinavian countries but motorists must still take extra care as the large amount of snow that has fallen will still settle on roads.

Around 10 to 15cm (4 to 6 inches) of snow fell in Cambridgeshire during the night and more snow showers are expected through Friday and a hard frost in the night.

Rocksalt needs to be driven over several times to be active and therefore although most major roads are treated and some cycleways the snow will still lay on top of it.

More than 40 per cent of Cambridgeshire's roads are treated which is one of the higher percentages in the region. However, this means some roads are not treated and motorists must drive accordingly.

As part of the full gritting run 11 cycle bridges were treated in Cambridge and all secondary routes were treated yesterday, Thursday.

Drivers and cyclists are advised not to go out unless their journey's are absolutely necessary. If people have to go out on the roads they should make sure their vehicle is suitably prepared and cleared of snow and ice.

Motorists should also carry with them items such as a drink, food, warm clothing, suitable footwear, torch and shovel during this cold weather.

Cambridgeshire County Council uses the pre-wet method of gritting which mixes brine with rocksalt. It means the grit sticks better to the road, is more effective and more environmentally friendly.

Mark Kemp, service Director for Highways and Access for Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "The Council gritters have been out through the night and early hours but due to the large amount of snow that fell means this has settled on the roads. Although rocksalt is effective at melting snow and ice it is not a cure-all method and requires vehicles travelling over it to work. Motorists and cyclists are being advised by us and the Police not to make any journeys unless they have to. If you must go out make sure you and your vehicle are fully prepared and drive to the conditions.