COUNCIL chiefs have responded after major disruption on the road network following snow in Dorset.

There were multiple crashes and some routes were impassable due to snow on Thursday.

Areas around Dorchester and west Dorset were described as 'gridlocked' as cars struggled to get through.

READ MORE: Chaos on roads as snow falls across Dorset

There were many comments on social media questioning why the roads hadn't been gritted.

Comments included:

"It's a shame the council didn't plan ahead with some decent gritting work on the roads!"

"Haha the whole of Dorset comes to a standstill with 2 inches of snow."

"One morning of snow and insufficient gritting, place grinds to a halt!!"

"Why haven’t the council gritted the roads. What on earth do they do with the rate money."

Dorset Council praised the "heroes" who treat the roads - but insisted that "grit isn’t a magic solution".

It said teams had been out in preparation for the snow - but explained that when snow accumulates quickly, it can cover the grit and create slippery conditions, especially for the first vehicles on the road. 

READ MORE: See snowplough in action as snow chaos his county

Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: "I had the privilege of going out with some of the crew on Thursday morning, between midnight and 4.30am, and I'd like to take a moment to thank all our dedicated heroes in high viz who’ve been working tirelessly, around the clock, to grit and plough our roads.

"Their commitment, whether in the middle of the night or during the day, ensures that the roads are as safe as possible during difficult weather.”

Cllr Andrews added: “In preparation for and in response to the winter conditions this week, all 25 of our gritters were deployed across the county, equipped with snow ploughs where required to clear the snow that fell rapidly on Thursday morning.

“Grit (rock salt) lowers the freezing point of moisture on the road, helping to prevent ice from forming or to melt existing ice and snow. Gritting roads in advance can also help to form a separating layer between the road surface and the snow, which stops the snow from freezing directly to the road. This allows the snow to be cleared more easily once it’s fallen.

“However, grit isn’t a magic solution!

“It’s important to understand that even though roads may be gritted, heavy snow can still cause difficulties. When snow accumulates quickly, it can cover the grit and create slippery conditions, especially for the first vehicles on the road. In these situations, we urge everyone to drive cautiously or, ideally, avoid unnecessary travel altogether."

READ MORE: Photographer captures snow scenes in county

Dorset Council said all 23 main routes were gritted on Wednesday afternoon and again at night.

Main routes include:

• Main roads (A, B, and well-used C-class roads)

• Routes to hospitals, emergency services, and critical infrastructure

• Roads to larger schools (over 500 pupils) and rural schools (over 350 pupils)

• Primary bus routes with substantial frequency

• Key routes through towns and villages with populations over 750

Community routes - minor roads serving villages - were also treated on Wednesday night.

Cllr Andrews said: “On Thursday morning, the high volume of traffic on the network during the period of snowfall made it more difficult for our snow ploughs to get through.

"Many people were caught out by the sudden snowfall. This highlights why, when snow or ice is forecast, it’s best to stay at home if possible and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

“The presence of snow on the road does not mean it wasn’t gritted. Grit works most effectively when there’s traffic which helps it to mix with any moisture on the road surface. In heavy snowfall, the snow will settle on top of the grit until it can be cleared by ploughs or activated by traffic.

“Our roads are carefully monitored using a road surface temperature-based system to determine when gritting is needed. When temperatures are forecast to drop to 0.5 degrees Celsius or below, our gritting operations come into force, with our 87-strong crew from our regular Highways teams ready to jump into a vehicle for their gritting shift.

“Our webpages show when and where we will be gritting and this is constantly updated throughout the day and night."