THE authority charged with keeping the roads of England's largest county safe to use during icy spells has added 20 gritters to its fleet.

North Yorkshire County Council said it was ready for winter and had allocated a budget of £6m, for use over 4,400km, representing more than half the county's road network.

With a budget more than £6m, the council has stockpiled 55,000 tonnes of salt, which it will use to treat the 2,300km of priority one roads morning and night during freezing conditions and priority two routes, which represent 2,100km, typically from 7am onwards.

County councillor Don Mackenzie, executive member for highways, said: “Dealing with severe winter conditions on such a large network is a complex and expensive operation.

“However, it remains a top priority to keep the county connected and on the move.

"Our winter service is the best resourced in England and once again we are well prepared.”

In addition to its fleet of gritters, the council has 12 snowblowers for both roads and pavements and a network of 130 farmers and other contractors equipped with snowploughs to keep the roads open.

The council is continuing its winter community partnership scheme, which gives parish councils, town councils and other community groups the opportunity to support an enhanced level of maintenance by bringing together volunteers who are willing to take part in clearing snow and treating roads and pavements.