With forecasters predicting some of the worst conditions of the winter so far, Islington has made preparations to ensure that when the flakes start to fall the borough's roads and pavements will stay clear.<br><br>Cllr Lucy Watt, Executive Member for Environment, Islington Council said: "We have a well-rehearsed gritting programme to make sure the weather doesn't cause serious disruption for residents and businesses.<br><br>"And we're using a greener product - derived from sugar cane - to help keep the streets ice-free."<br><br>Winter gritting teams are poised for action and four road gritters are available for use 24 hours a day. Last winter a total of 565 tonnes of grit were used on Islington roads - making sure they were safe to drive on. <br><br>In Islington, roads are gritted before the worst snow is expected through a process called pre-salting. The standard pre-salt routes cover over 60km of the borough's roads. Islington Council takes Met Office updates every hour when severe weather is forecast to continue gritting during and after a snowfall if necessary. <br><br>All schools, hospitals, main roads, main road junctions and major bus stops have salt bins in the immediate vicinity. Areas with high public access such as leisure centres and park entrances are gritted by street sweeper crews. <br><br>Cllr Lucy Watt, continued: "We are prepared for any cold snap and urge others to get ready also. Too many motorists fail to clear their windows and mirrors before setting out - posing a risk to other road users."<br><br>For further advice or information:<br><br>Call: 020 7527 2000<br>Email: contact@islington.gov.uk<br>Website: www.islington.gov.uk <br>Met Office weather warnings: www.met-office.gov.uk<br><br>Ends
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009