Highways chiefs are scrambling to recruit more drivers to keep motorists safe as officials warn major gritting routes could be axed.
There’s also less grit in stock than in previous winters. Transport bosses in Scotland – where snow usually falls earliest say there’s 30,000 fewer tonnes of salt in stock than last year.
The Local Government Association has warned there could be trouble ahead for commuters as the cold begins to bite this weekend.
Councillor David Renard said: “Some councils may find gritting services are affected in the same way some waste collection services have been impacted.”
Authorities in Hampshire told the Star they’re “training new drivers to ensure we can maintain our winter service when demand peaks”.
In Wrexham, councillors are “monitoring the situation very closely”.
Some forecasters expect snow in the north from Monday, with the met office saying: “A big change is shown for next week, with Arctic winds, plummeting temperatures and snow for some.”
