Streets

All of the primary routes in Medway are salted, apart from the motorway (which is the responsibility of the Highways Agency) to help prevent ice from forming.

Generally no other roads will be salted, except where they are impassable due to severe snow conditions, or during prolonged icy spells.

Why roads may still be icy

Despite the high level of service provided, no guarantee can be given that roads will always be completely clear of ice or snow because:

• It takes time for the salt to become effective after roads are salted.
• Rain can wash salt off roads, leaving them prone to re-icing.
• In severe cold weather (below -8^oC) even salt will not prevent roads from icing up.
• If a frost follows rain, salting will normally start after the rain has stopped to avoid salt being washed away. Temperatures may fall by as much as 5^oC per hour, and the wet roads may well freeze before it is possible to salt them.

Dawn frost

This occurs on dry roads and involves the development of early morning dew, which falls on cold road surfaces and freezes on impact. It is impossible to forecast with any accuracy where and when it will occur.

Drivers are reminded to check weather forecasts and road conditions before and during their journey. If the weather becomes severe, do not drive unless your journey is necessary.

If you must drive in severe winter weather, slow down and drive according to the conditions. It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions, so allow extra room to slow down and stop.

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