Gritting costs exceeded expectations in 2005

In 2005 Cumbria County Council spent an extra £1.2m after gritters were called out 114 times - compared with an average of 87 over the past four years.

But officials have confirmed extra cash will be found to maintain the county's 1,820km (1,131 miles) of roads.

Crews from Cumbria County Council and private sector partners, Amey and Capita, will be on call 24 hours a day.

A council spokesman said highways teams would aim to treat main routes with rock salt within two hours and secondary routes within three hours.

Maintain standards

Jack Richardson, cabinet spokesman for client services, said: "Last year proved that winter maintenance can be an unpredictable and expensive business, particularly in a county like ours.

"But we believe it's important to maintain our high standards in spite of the potential costs in order to keep the county moving in winter and to keep people as safe as possible."

Thirteen new gritters have been purchased over the past year and are located at depots around the county. They are supported by around 40 other vehicles.