Gritters called in over Christmas to keep roads safe

Highways crews are monitoring the weather and have been out spreading extra grit following the arrival of snow on Tuesday.

Leicestershire County Council has a total of 23 dedicated gritters covering 17 routes, who go out spreading roughly 170 tonnes of rock salt across key routes. 

Gritters have been out on 21 occasions since the beginning of November, spreading more than 2,634 tonnes of grit. 

Trevor Pendleton, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “It is imperative that we keep our road network moving and do everything we can to keep drivers safe in our county. 

 “We monitor the weather constantly and if freezing temperatures are forecast, our fleet of gritters will be ready to treat major roads and key routes, which equate to almost half of the county's road network."

Last winter the council’s gritters went out on 66 occasions to keep the roads clear, spreading more than 8,000 tonnes of grit during wintry conditions.

This year, the council’s grit barns are stocked up with 18,000 tonnes of rock salt – ready to tackle snow and ice. 

In addition to the gritters, there are also a number of snow wardens based in communities across the county who grit paths, as well as farmers who during deep snow, fit ploughs to their tractors and assist the council in clearing roads.

Residents are being advised to make sure they are ready to deal with icy and wet conditions, as well as the simple things they can do to keep warm, healthy and safe during winter. 

This includes making sure vehicles are ready for severe weather, that you have the right equipment to stay safe, and know how to drive in extreme weather conditions. Residents should also look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may need extra help over the winter months.

Residents are also being encouraged to prepare themselves for the cold season by following a few simple steps:

• Familiarise yourself with the gritting routes and keep up to date with local weather using the local radio or following the council on Twitter;
• Make sure you have your seasonal flu vaccination. Washing your hands will help avoid transmitting coronavirus, cold and flu viruses. Free flu vaccines are offered to people considered to be at risk, more information can be found by visiting: www.nhs.uk/staywell/
• Keep your home warm. Set the timer on your heating to come on before you get up and switch off when you go to bed. The county council’s Warm Homes service helps vulnerable people to save hundreds of pounds on their fuel bills, for advice visit: www.firstcontactplus.org.uk
  or call 0116 305 4286.

For more information on winter maintenance in Leicestershire, and for advice about winter driving and snow clearance of the paths outside your property, visit: www.leicestershire.gov.uk/winter-weather or follow the council on Twitter @LeicsCountyHall