A FLEET of over 50 snowploughs and blowers has been put on standby to cope with snow and ice on routes across Yorkshire.
They can draw on a stockpile of 20,000 tonnes of salt, with more available if needed.
And councils across the region, including Kirklees and Calderdale, will be aided by a Global Positioning Satellite system (GPS) which enables the progress of gritters to be tracked across the region.
Information about weather conditions is provided by a network of weather stations and road sensors on key routes across Yorkshire.
Live webcam cameras will be providing visual images to back the electronic data.
The Minister for Roads, Dr Stephen Ladyman said: "The maintenance crews who deliver the Highways Agency's winter service are ready to work in the worst conditions when bad weather hits.
"The gritters have already been out several times this season, and they are ready to work 24 hours a day if needed to keep the major roads safe and open.
"As we face the colder weather, it is vital for drivers and other road users to be prepared.
"Check the forecast and your route before you set out. Listen to the travel news, and if the weather is severe, delay your journey if you can.
"If you can't delay your journey, then make sure you take a winter weather kit."
Drivers' winter weather kits should include warm clothes and boots, food, a hot drink, de-icer, a torch and spade.
The gritting efforts will be backed by the new Highways Agency's Traffic Officer patrols which include the M1, M62, M606 and M621 in West Yorkshire.
