Staffordshire County Council’s fleet of gritters and snowploughs have taken to the roads head of the coming winter season.
And this year, 11 brand-new state-of-the-art machines have been added to the fleets in Cannock and Lichfield, replacing older machines.
The brand-new machines are equipped with the latest technology, meaning they are more accurate when spreading, and can carry more salt to potentially reduce journeys to and from the depot.
Gritting crews gathered together to get to grips with the new machines, fit snowploughs, and ensure all equipment is in peak condition ready to keep the county moving when the bad weather hits.
The 37-strong gritter fleet, backed by more 20,000 tonnes of salt, was then put through its paces on the roads of Staffordshire, as crews tested their routes ahead of the winter season.
Mid-October signals the official start of winter in gritting terms. This is when the council’s winter decision makes use real-time data from weather stations across Staffordshire to decide when and where gritters are needed.
Major routes will remain the priority, but in prolonged icy or snowy spells like the county saw with Storm Goretti at the start of the year, our crews will work around the clock to treat the wider network as they did in January.
Hill contractors will also work to grit the higher ground and places that are too narrow for traditional gritting machines to fit.
Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said:
“Our crews gather together at the beginning of October each year to take part in our vital winter preparations. They make sure the vehicles are in great condition, and familiarise themselves with their routes ahead of the bad weather.
“With 11 brand-new gritters to work with this year, it makes sense for crews to familiarise themselves with them as early as possible. Crews have been checking that everything is in full working order, which in turn means our teams are confident, the routes are clear, and our systems are ready to respond when the weather turns.
“We know how important it is to keep Staffordshire moving during the winter months, and our crews are primed and ready to do their bit.”
Residents and businesses can find out more how the county prepares for winter and where the county council grits via the county council website.
