The council says it cannot grit all the roads in severe weather

More than £400,000 has been set aside for gritting and snow clearing but the money will only be spent on main routes.

Councillor John Hoare said: "Most people would agree that the busiest roads and footways should be a priority.

"Motorists should not assume that a particular section of road has been salted and drive appropriately."

The authority has 11 vehicles available for winter maintenance with a further three in reserve for severe conditions.

A stockpile of 3,500 tonnes of rock salt is available for gritting and this will be maintained to a minimum level through the winter months.

But with more than 1,500 kilometres of roads and 2,000 kilometres of footpaths the council says it does not have the money or manpower to clear or grit every road.