Gritters take to the roads in 'dry run' for winter

The ride out is part of East Sussex Highways' annual Operation Snowdrop

Gritters will take to East Sussex's roads on Monday to practise ahead of winter weather.

The vehicles will travel along the county's most heavily used roads from 19:00 BST.

The ride out is part of East Sussex Highways' annual Operation Snowdrop, where gritter drivers check vehicles and familiarise themselves with roads.

"This dry-run is important as it gives us the chance to ensure everything is working as it should and everyone knows their role so that when extreme weather arrives, we are ready to go," said an East Sussex Highways spokesperson.

The spokesperson urged the public to ensure their hedges and trees were not overhanging onto roads so the large vehicles could pass unobstructed.

East Sussex Highways said it had purchased 21 new gritters for this winter, having previously hired the vehicles.

It added around 10,000 tonnes of dry rock salt was ready for use when the mercury dips below freezing or snow is forecast.