It may still be autumn, but stockpiles of rock salt have arrived at Leicestershire’s grit barns, as the county prepares for the cold winter months.
Leicestershire County Council will grit more than 1,300 miles of roads with an average of 130 tonnes of salt each below-freezing night this winter – that’s the same distance as a journey from County Hall in Glenfield to Rome.
The council’s 16,500 tonne stockpile of rock salt has now been distributed across five grit barns in strategic locations across the county, ready to help keep roads safe.
Councillor Charles Whitford, county council lead member for highways and transport, said:
“Being adequately prepared to keep residents safe in winter is an incredibly important part of the council’s work.
“Last year, our hardworking drivers took to the roads a total of 53 times, successfully spreading almost 7,000 tonnes of salt – and we stand ready to do the same this year.
“I’d like to thank our dedicated teams for their essential work during cold conditions and also residents, who always have such patience when our gritters are out and about.”
Salt helps to prevent ice forming on roads, improving grip for motorists and working to prevent accidents.
The council also keeps pavement grit bins topped up, enabling residents and trusted volunteer snow wardens to keep pedestrians safe too.
Using a fleet of 23 gritters, the council is responsible for gritting 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. Vehicles are fitted with specialist temperature tracking technology, which easily determines when gritting is required.
Keep up to date with the latest information on adverse weather, including an interactive gritting map and tips on how to stay well this winter.
It’s time to get ‘flood ready’. Visit our website for more information.