If needed, 17 gritters will be sent out to spread roughly 150 tonnes of salt covering 1,200 miles of roads across the county.

Gritting takes place along most A roads, some B and C class roads, major commuter and bus routes and, as far as possible, at least one route into all villages.

Nicholas Rushton, Deputy Leader of the County Council, said: "In wintry conditions, the County Council aims to ensure the safe movement of vehicles and pedestrians on the road network and minimise any delays and accidents."

In a cold winter, frost and ice usually appear across the whole surface of a road. Motorists are urged to drive carefully as braking distances can be up to ten times longer in icy conditions.

The County Council will grit 45 per cent of the road network when ice is predicted, however, drivers are still warned to take extra care and never to assume that any road is completely ice free.

To report a problem on Leicestershire's roads, pavements or streetlights please call 0800 62 62 03. The Winter Salting Routes leaflet can be downloaded from www.leics.gov.uk/winterdriving or a copy can be obtained from local libraries or Council Offices.