The county's 37-strong fleet of gritters and snowploughs is ready for action, with crews having already tested their routes and fitted snowploughs ahead of the colder months. This year, 11 new state-of-the-art machines have been added at depots in Cannock and Lichfield, replacing older vehicles.
What's new this year?
The new gritters are more precise when spreading salt and can carry larger loads, which should mean fewer trips back to the depot during a gritting run. Crews spent time getting familiar with the machines, checking equipment and making sure everything is in full working order before the season gets underway.
When does gritting start?
Mid-October marks the official start of the winter gritting season. From this point, the council uses real-time data from weather stations across Staffordshire to decide when and where gritters are needed.
Major roads remain the top priority, but during prolonged icy or snowy spells, crews will work around the clock to treat the wider road network. Specialist hill contractors will also grit higher ground and narrower roads that larger machines cannot reach.
The fleet is supported by a stockpile of more than 20,000 tonnes of salt.
Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, Peter Mason, said: "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."
Source and photo: staffordshire.gov.uk
