GRITTERS will be working round the clock on Christmas Day and Boxing Day to tackle the icy weather conditions.

Due to the cold snap and dozens of abandoned cars and accidents during the snowfall on Monday evening, local authorities have been instructed to keep as many roads as possible ice-free even if this means working on public holidays.

Cllr Susan Hall, deputy leader of Harrow Council, said: “Our gritting crews have been working more or less continuously and at present we are going to have runs out on Christmas Day and Boxing Day to ensure our main roads are clean and safe.”

After a national shortage of grit and salt last February, councils have rejected accusations they have not been prepared for the severe weather.

In Harrow, 40 tonnes of salt were put down Monday night alone and 500 tonnes have been layed since the cold weather began.

Cllr Hall said: "Some of the guys have worked so many shifts they have not got out to buy Christmas presents yet."

The council is still holding around 2,500 tonnes of salt in its depot which it shares with neighbouring Brent and have six gritting lorries which have been in constant use over the last few days.

A further 1,000 tonnes is on order if the cold weather persists.