Staffordshire County Council’s gritting crews have made their first outing of the winter season, with all 37 gritters deployed early on Thursday 12 November as road surface temperatures dropped below freezing.
The council’s highways teams are now monitoring conditions daily, with further gritting expected whenever temperatures and road conditions make it necessary.
The county has stockpiled more than 20,000 tonnes of salt ahead of winter, while 11 new gritters have joined the fleet this year.
Weather stations across Staffordshire provide information on road temperatures and conditions, helping the council’s winter maintenance team decide when treatment is needed.
During routine cold weather, gritting focuses on major roads, with treatment extending to the wider network during prolonged periods of ice and snow.
Specialist contractors also cover higher ground in the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said
“Our crews are now monitoring the weather on a daily basis, and were ready to roll this morning as soon as temperatures dropped below freezing. After driving their routes and putting gritters through their paces, crews were well-prepared to cover their routes for the first time this season.
“Rolling our gritting fleet, including our 11 new gritters, out now gives crews the perfect practice for when the really bad weather hits.”
The council expects temperatures to remain low over the next couple of days before rising again, although crews will continue monitoring conditions and treating roads when necessary.
Councillor Mason also reminded motorists that gritting does not remove the need to drive carefully.
“Regardless of whether a road has been gritted, in icy and snowy conditions motorists need to slow down, take extra care and allow more time for their journeys.”
Children invited to name new gritters
The county council is also inviting young people to help name its 11 new gritting vehicles.
The competition began in schools and libraries across Staffordshire, where children were asked to suggest names as part of a colouring competition.
It has now been extended online, allowing young people to submit their suggestions through a dedicated form.
Entries can be made using the council’s online gritter naming competition form.
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