Information on Loughborough

Richly deserved thank you for gritter drivers

Posted on 09/01/2010

Leicestershire Councty Council

8 January 2010

Richly deserved thank you for gritter drivers

Dedicated gritter drivers working round-the-clock to keep Leicestershire up and running have received a well deserved thank you.

Staff have been working extra hours in unprecedented conditions to grit the county's road network and today, County Council Leader David Parsons met with them to express his appreciation and hand out bacon butties.

Gritters took to the highways more than 20 times last month and are continuing to work tirelessly to treat Leicestershire's roads.

County Council Leader David Parsons said: "The county's gritter drivers have been doing a sterling job.

"They have been braving freezing conditions and going out day and night to make our roads safe and accessible.

"Thanks to their efforts people have been able to get to work, school and go about their day-to-day business.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank them on behalf of everyone who lives and works in Leicestershire because without them the county would have come to a standstill in the treacherous conditions we have been experiencing."

Leicestershire's barns were stocked up at the start of the winter to better ensure there was enough salt to last through the season. At present, it's thought there is enough to last through the current cold snap.

When ice is forecast, 45% of the road network is treated including most A roads, some B and C class roads, major commuter and bus routes and as far as is possible, at least one route through all villages.

With prolonged snow and cold weather forecast, drivers are being urged to familiarise themselves with gritted routes, stick to the main roads and plan their journeys.

If conditions are particularly hazardous, only essential journeys should be made and speeds reduced to avoid accidents.

Leaflets showing the gritting routes can be downloaded from the County Council's website at www.leics.gov.uk/winterdriving and are available from local libraries or Council Offices or by calling 0116 306 0001.

The County Council has 17 gritters which spread roughly 150 tonnes of salt each night, covering 1,200 miles of highway.

In a cold winter, frost and ice usually appear across the whole surface of a road. Motorists are urged to drive carefully as braking distances can be up to 10 times longer in icy conditions.

Photo of gritter drivers with Mr Parsons