THE gritters will be heading out once more tonight but just as a precaution.

Worcestershire County Council's gritting fleet is preparing to go out again this evening to apply precautionary treatment where this will be most needed in tonight's weather conditions.

Much of the snowfall experienced yesterday across Worcestershire has now disappeared, leaving dry and cold with light winds today.

As the weather remains dry overnight, road surface temperatures are predicted to fall below zero again.

Although a band of rain, sleet and snow is forecast to move in from the west around 7am tomorrow , any accumulation of snow is likely to be temporary, and mainly over high ground, with road surface temperatures varying from a minimum -4 in the north east of the region to 0 in the south west.

With salt from previous treatments remaining on the roads, gritters will focus on high ground areas, and areas with standing snow, to address potential hazards of ice from melting snow and rain. The fleet will go out from 7.30pm tonight to cover sections of primary routes identified as requiring additional treatment.

Drivers are once again urged to drive with caution, ensuring they temper their driving according to the conditions, and ensure they maintain a safe distance between themselves and other vehicles to allow for additional braking distance when roads are wet or icy.

Jon Fraser, Worcestershire County Council's Highways Manager, said: "Hopefully we should soon have seen the last of the snow, which is good news for anyone who's been travelling on the county's road networks recently. "However, cold temperatures and melting snow still mean roads are likely to be icy, and whilst we're ensuring roads are treated to help reduce the risk of accidents, grit is never a miracle solution and we're still urging drivers to take care out on Worcestershire's highways."

Residents can keep up-to-date with #grittertwitter by following the County Council's Twitter account @worcscc (www.twitter.com/worcscc).

Latest information on any disruption to public transport and services will be available on the county council's website www.worcestershire.gov.uk. Residents can also phone the Worcestershire Hub for information on 01905 765765 (Hub opening hours are Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm).

Gritting teams are also out and about ensuring grit bins across the county are refilled as fast as they can.

To help residents pinpoint their nearest grit bin an interactive map is available at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/gritting, which allows users to search by postcode.

The dedicated section of the website also includes a map showing the designated routes, which are served by the 31 gritting vehicles, answers to FAQs, road safety advice and local radio station frequencies.