Devon County Council’s fleet of gritters will continue their efforts overnight to keep Devon moving.

Road surface temperatures are set to remain below freezing again over the next 24 hours, with road temperatures around Devon expected to drop as low as -5.8 degees centigrade in the east of the county.

Gritters and snow ploughs have been working throughout the day to clear drifting snow on higher ground in North Devon and on Exmoor, and all routes are now reported to be passable with care.

Devon’s gritters will be treating the 1,700 miles of major roads across Devon that make up the county’s primary salting network at around 7pm, and will be monitoring the snow situation overnight across Devon and responding accordingly.

The Highways Agency’s fleet of gritters will also be out treating 170 miles of the strategic road network in the county. The Agency also has snow ploughs ready to deal with any significant accumulations.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “The continuing freezing temperatures will mean that many roads across Devon could be treacherous. Icy patches are to be expected, particularly on untreated roads. There has been some disruption to schools and school bus services in North Devon this morning but our teams are working hard to ensure that main routes are as clear as possible. Motorists should remain cautious when driving while this cold snap is still with us.”

Parracombe Church of England Primary School and Kentisbury Primary School were closed today due to impassable roads and Marwood Primary was closed for part of this morning until it could salt the roads accessing the school. Schools can keep up to date with any closures by logging on to www.devonschoolclosures.info

Motorists are reminded of the following advice:

* Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with less traffic and colder temperatures;

* Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;

* Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed;

* Drive with care and according to the conditions;

* If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell;

* Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.

For more information and travel advice visit: www.devon.gov.uk/winter_travel