Despite sub-zero temperatures, Richmond Council says it has been "working hard to keep travel as smooth as possible - with 12 tonnes of grit spread across the borough every day since Friday, 2 January".

The council's fleet of four gritters have been out in force with over 240 miles of roads gritted each day.

The news follows the Met Office's yellow weather warning for the country, which was released yesterday (Tuesday, 6 January).

Speaking about the gritters, Councillor Alexander Ehmann, chair of Richmond Council's transport and air quality committee, said: "The vehicles typically cover about 240 miles of the borough's network, focusing on principal road routes to keep those safe and functional."

Cllr Ehmann has also asked residents both driving and walking in the borough to "please be careful".

He added: "We can't ensure, sadly, that every road and pavement is safe, but we are doing what we can."

Last November, Richmond Council gave out over 17,500kg of rock salt to residents from its council depot.

In response to the current cold snap, the council says it is giving away an additional 100 free bags of rock salt to help residents tackle ice.

Local residents can collect up to 25kg of rock salt from the council's depot in Langhorn Drive in Twickenham from 9am until 3pm, while stocks last.

As the depot is a secure area, you will need to sign in at the gate reception so the council asks you  "ensure you bring photo ID and proof of address with you".