The borough is bracing itself for freezing temperatures as forecasters predict snow is on the way.

Richmond Council said it was prepared for hazardous driving conditions and has 2,000 tons of grit stockpiled at its depot in Twickenham to spread on icy roads and pavements.

Residents were wrapped up warm today after the Met Office predicted the first snow of the winter in London last night, and biting winds from Russia are expected to cause temperatures to plummet to -5C in the coldest parts of the country.

Councillor Clare Head, cabinet member for traffic at Richmond Council, said the authority was prepared for the earliest widespread snowfall for 17 years. Some councils were caught out by treacherous conditions which caused chaos in February this year.

Coun Head said: “Keeping our roads open for business during the winter is one of the important services which residents expect us to get right. Our gritting teams are on 24-hour standby rotas and as soon as road surface temperatures drop, and ice or snow forms, our spreading trucks will be loaded and sent out.

“During the coming months the crews will be out more and more regularly to keep roads open when the temperatures drop again. A few inches of snow and sheets of ice can scupper the school run and journey to work, and we intend to do our best to help people get on with their daily lives, despite the weather.”

Gritting lorries went on their first run on November 15, spreading 1.5 tons along 10 miles of roads in the coldest parts of the borough.

David Williams, chief executive of road safety charity GEM Motoring Assist, warned motorists to be prepared for the cold spell by getting their car battery checked at a garage, and by keeping warm clothes in their boot in case they get stranded.

He said: “Many motorists don’t take precautions, both in the preparation of their car and the preparation of themselves.

“The other advice this year that we would like to emphasise is for heaven’s sake look out for the weather forecast.”

He added drivers should also check their tyres had the right tread, and should keep a reflective jacket in their car for emergencies.

The National Pensioners Convention (NPC) said nine pensioners died of cold-related illnesses every hour last winter, and has called for the Government to keep the winter fuel allowance for people aged over 60 at its current level.

Send your wintry pictures for the Richmond and Twickenham Times to gholt@london.newsquest.co.uk.