Staffordshire’s gritting fleet prepares for winter with 11 new vehicles

Staffordshire County Council’s gritting fleet has begun its preparations for the coming winter, with 11 new vehicles joining the county’s fleet this year.

The new gritters have been added to the fleets based in Cannock and Lichfield, replacing older vehicles.

According to the county council, the new machines can spread salt more accurately and carry larger loads, which could reduce the number of journeys needed to and from depots.

Crews have been testing the new vehicles, fitting snowploughs and checking equipment ahead of the start of the winter season.

The council’s fleet of 37 gritters has also been testing routes across Staffordshire. More than 20,000 tonnes of salt is available for use during the winter.

From mid October, the council uses real time information from weather stations around Staffordshire to decide when and where roads need treating.

Major routes remain the priority. During prolonged periods of snow and ice, crews can also treat more of the road network, as happened during Storm Goretti in January.

Contractors are also used to treat higher ground and locations where roads are too narrow for the council’s full size gritting vehicles.

Councillor Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said

“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 can check Staffordshire County Council’s gritting routes and winter information online.