Gritters On Standby As Cold Snap Arrives

Gritting teams are on-standby to protect Leicestershire’s road network as the first cold snap of the winter arrives.

A stockpile of rock salt has been building up over the past few months, including at the county council’s depot near Market Harborough,

Around 16,500 tonnes is available to wrap a protective coat around roads on gritting routes– covering around 1,300 miles, with 130 tonnes spread daily when needed.

Twenty drivers are on stand-by to be called into action.

Cllr Ozzy O’Shea beside a gritter

The council treats major roads, including A-routes and heavily used B-routes, roads linking towns and larger villages and outside bus, train, fire and ambulance stations and hospitals.

Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet member for highways at Leicestershire County Council, said: “Our gritters are kitted out with the latest hi-tech temperature tracking equipment and that helps to ensure our roads can be treated as fast and effectively as possible.

“We stand prepared to respond to changes in weather conditions, we also have our snow wardens and local farmers to support us, if required.”