Gritters have begun venturing across Norfolk's road network this afternoon ahead of another morning of widespread icy conditions.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for ice on Sunday (December 17).

Norfolk County Council said its gritting lorries would start their mission to keep drivers safe from 2pm today.

The ice alert is in place from 3am until 2pm ahead of a period of rain and snow falling on already frozen surfaces.

This will likely cause treacherous conditions on roads and pavements and travel disruption is likely, according to the national weather service.

People should continue to take caution while walking due to the risk of slips and falls.

The big freeze experienced over the last two weeks will end by Monday, with temperatures switching from very cold to very warm for this time of year.

Highs of between 11C and 13C are expected across the county, offering a reprieve from the frosty conditions. 

There have been two fatal car crashes and others that have left people seriously injured in recent days amid the icy conditions in Norfolk.

Yesterday, two people died in 24 hours after collisions in Thurton and Fritton, prompting a warning from Norfolk Police.

Sgt Ben Hawkins from the Norfolk Roads Policing Team said: "We are entering the busiest shopping weekend of the year, a week before Christmas so the roads will be extremely busy.

"Please remain vigilant if driving on the road network this weekend, drive according to the conditions and give yourself extra time for your journey, accepting it will take longer and please don't take any risks.”

People have also complained of the dangerous conditions on pavements, which has prompted some older people to stay indoors out of fear of falling.

While Norfolk County Council is responsible for maintaining the highways, there has also been a call for people to be made aware that gritting bins are available for public use.

Green Party councillor in Norwich, Gary Champion said: "It's not an ideal scenario for people but more awareness needs to be made about the grit bins around.

"Lots of people are unaware the bins are for public use which is an issue."

The county council said its gritting lorries have made 18 runs over the past nine days to keep the roads safe. 

The county's fleet of gritting lorries go by a number of names, including Gritter me Timbers and Chittygrittybangbang.

Here is the full list of lorries:

  • Gritter me Timbers
  • Gritty Mcgritter Face
  • Boudica
  • The Grittenator
  • Blitzen Blaster
  • True Grit
  • Chittygrittybangbang
  • Snowy
  • Icemelter
  • Winter Warrior
  • Grinch the Gritter
  • Lewice Hamilton
  • Grittersaurus