Gritters ready to roll as cold snap expected

Start getting ready for winter today

Cllr Ozzy O'Shea with a gritter

With early predictions of colder weather next week, the county council is geared up and ready to protect Leicestershire's road network. 

A stockpile of rock salt has been building up over the past few months and stored at five barns across the county.

Around 16,500 tonnes of rock salt is available to wrap a protective coat around county roads – covering around 1,300 miles.

When the weather is consistently cold, approaching 130 tonnes of salt will be spread every day.

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.

There are 23 gritters and 20 drivers on standby to be called into action.

Weather conditions last year were generally milder, but the gritters were still out and about, they undertook 47 runs around the county, treated roads with over 5,000 tonnes of salt and covered half of the road network.

Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet member for highways, 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.”

Keep up to date with the latest information on gritting and travel, including our interactive gritting map and follow us on social media for the latest updates.

Residents and businesses can also gain information and advice about being ‘flood ready’ on our flooding page.

Top tips on getting winter ready:

  • Check weather and travel disruption through news channels and radio stations
  • Wear appropriate footwear and clothes for the cold temperatures
  • Keep your home warm by improving energy efficiency measures. Leicestershire County Council’s Warm Homes service can support people to keep warm for less this winter. Visit our energy grants page
  • Get your COVID and flu vaccinations. Check if you’re eligible for free vaccinations
  • Check on vulnerable neighbours to ensure they’re staying well through cold weather or floods

For more information and advice, visit our staying well in winter page.

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