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Motorists urged to take care on icy roads         5/2/13

A number of roads are affected by snow and ice this morning particularly the more rural and isolated roads says  Northern Constabulary. Though roads are open it urges drivers to exercise caution while travelling.

Meanwhile, the Comhairle warns islanders that it has cut back on gritting and snow-clearing.

Its new controversial policy means that gritting operations do not start until 6am on what the council has deemed to be the highest priority routes and will end before 7.30am. Second priority should be finished by 8.30am.

Lower priority routes are left for much longer in and - if to be treated - is usually done after people have gone to work and school.

Evening gritting is much restricted. If required generally only Priority 1 routes will be treated, with an intention of doing so by 6pm.

Only Priority 1 and Priority 2 routes will be gritted on Sundays and local public holidays.

The council urges people to always carefully consider the weather and road conditions prior to any journey and, in certain conditions, ask how essential the journey is.