The boss of a bus company has asked whether it is time for a re-think of the highways authority's policy towards gritting roads in icy weather.

At present, Kent County Council has a hierarchy of roads that it grits when ice threatens. All A and B class roads and busy commuter routes are tackled first, then other roads "that can become hazardous in frosty or icy conditions."

These account for about 30% of the road network.

KCC is clear that it is does not treat minor roads and lanes.

But Norman Kemp, head of Nu Venture, said that left bus operators facing a problem in prolonged periods of freezing weather such as those we have experienced this week.

He said: "Our buses are fine on the major routes that have been gritted, but they can't enter the estates at Tovil for example, where there has been no gritting."

This week the company has been unable to reach passengers in Charlton Lane, West Farleigh; Gallants Lane, East Farleigh; Burial Ground Lane, Tovil, and Sheephurst Lane, Claygate.

Mr Kemp said: "The roads in Laddingford are also dangerously ice-bound, especially early-morning, when kids are on the bus to school before first light at this time of year."

Arriva too has experienced problems and has been unable to serve estates in Park Wood and Coxheath.

KCC does not prioritise bus routes as part of its gritting regime.

But Mr Kemp suggested there might be a wider issue.

He said: "The pavements have been treacherous for pedestrians, and goodness knows how cyclists are coping."

He said: "In these days of a greater emphasis on sustainable travel, perhaps the highways authorities should be gritting pavements, bus routes and cycle lanes as a priority?"