The predicted return of wintry weather has seen increased activity from NI's Road Service.

Stormont Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy said: "With a forecast for another cold period with a high probability of snow on Friday, motorists are advised to plan their journeys and check the latest travel advice.

"In preparation for the winter period and the predicted impact to roads across the region, since October 2010 an additional £8.5 million has been allocated for roads maintenance and this will be used to deal with the effects of the recent cold spell including the purchase of additional salt as well as progressing programmes of work targeting the most severely affected roads."

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He also said that as well as this minor boost for road maintenance contractors, Roads Service has replenished its salt stocks over the Christmas and New Year period and there are adequate supplies of salt for the rest of the winter period.

"Roads Service will continue to work around the clock with 300 staff, 120 gritters and 11 snowblowers to focus resources as agreed by the Assembly, in ensuring the main roads which carry 80% of traffic are salted.

"Roads Service teams and contractors are working to ensure roads are kept safe.

"Whilst it will take time to assess the true extent of the damage, Roads Service has been undertaking a series of inspections and condition surveys to ensure the road network is maintained to defined standards and that serious road defects are detected and repaired as quickly as possible," he said.

(BMcC/GK)