The Highways Agency (HA) is rolling out a £45m investment in snow ploughs and gritting lorries in an effort to keep traffic moving on the strategic road network this winter.
In February, the HA and local councils were criticised for failing to keep roads passable during a period of exceptionally heavy snowfall across southern England.
Martin Hobbs, the HA's head of severe weather strategy, says: "We have learned lessons from that experience, and we have strengthened our capability to face any future challenges.
"This year our new state-of-the-art winter vehicles are being used in more parts of the UK, and since last winter we have reviewed our salt stock levels to make sure we are ready."
The HA announced the deal in 2008; the entire fleet 
will be renewed by 2011.