GRITTERS have travelled the equivalent of twice around the world preparing Worcestershire’s roads during the harshest winter in 35 years, say highways chiefs.

Gritting teams have treated about 56,000 miles on the county’s roads during their busiest ever winter.

More salt than ever before was ordered ahead of the winter to cope.

A total of 31 vehicles were on standby from the middle of October with gritting beginning the following month.

Temperatures fell to minus 16C (3F) in some parts of the county during January, resulting in around 22,000 tonnes of salt being put down on roads, the equivalent weight to 134 jumbo jets.

The council used nearly twice as much salt as in an average gritting season which usually involves around 12,000 tonnes.

Coun Derek Prodger, county council cabinet member for transport, said: “Our teams have worked tremendously hard throughout this year’s cold snap – the worst in around 35 years – to keep the roads safe and vehicles moving. They deserve praise, but so do all the motorists that tempered their driving according to the conditions and residents that pulled together during that challenging time.

“Like last year, we’ll take on board what we’ve learned and listen to the views of residents over the summer as the planning continues because we know there’s no room for complacency."

The gritting teams will remain on standby until the middle of this month.