AS THE weather turns colder, Worcestershire County Council’s gritting team are preparing for the first frosts of the season, writes James Reid.
The gritting programme is now under way and teams are on standby, ready to keep roads clear and drivers safe.
More than 56 experienced drivers and 36 gritting lorries are ready to go at a moment’s notice in order to ensure safe road travel across the county.
A total of 16,750 tonnes of salt are stocked in six large barns which are monitored and refilled throughout the winter period.
Worcestershire’s fleet of gritters are equipped with technology which allows for live tracking whilst on the move to ensure all ground is covered.
In 2024, the ‘winter warriors’ covered a massive 50,000 miles across the county.
Chris Riley, Worcestershire County Council’s highways maintenance operations manager, said: “Our winter service team is primed and ready to jump into action the moment it’s needed.”
Mr Riley has thanked the entire team from the beginning for its tireless efforts in keeping the roads safe this winter.
For those at home, more than 1,400 grit bins exist across the county – all loaded with a grit and salt mix for public use – to help keep communities safe in their own neighbourhoods.
Any winter service enquiries can be raised by visiting: worcestershire.gov.uk/reportit and go to: worcestershire.gov.uk/winter for advice on staying warm this winter.
