Gritting begins as South West faces cold snap

Cornwall Council said its fleet of 28 gritting lorries is on standby

Gritters have been deployed in parts of the South West as the region braces for icy temperatures this week.

Devon County Council said its fleets had been out in North Devon and Dartmoor on Sunday, and Cornwall Council said 28 gritters would be on standby to cover about 1,490 km (925 miles) of the most heavily-used A and B roads in the county.

It comes as the Met Office issued several yellow severe weather warnings for snow and ice parts of Scotland and England on Tuesday.

The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a yellow cold-health alert for the South West until Saturday morning, saying there is potential for "significant impacts across health and social care services".

As a result it said there could be a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.

Cornwall Council said it was "as ready as ever" to deal with "whatever winter might throw at us this year".

"Keeping Cornwall moving whatever the weather is essential for our economy, and we will be ready for action from now until the start of spring, said Dan Rogerson, council cabinet portfolio holder for transport.

"I would also urge drivers to make sure they play their part by checking their vehicles before travelling and keeping an eye on the weather forecast.

"If conditions are poor, and journeys are not essential, consider waiting until the weather gets better – this should improve journeys, and give our gritters a chance to treat the roads."