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Mammoth five weeks for gritters
Posted on 30/01/2010
Making sure that the county can treat roads and pavements during a big freeze will be the focus of a new scrutiny review panel.
A staggering 9,500 tonnes of salt and grit helped to keep Leicestershire's roads moving during the recent cold snap.
Throughout the five weeks of unprecedented icy conditions, gritter drivers worked round the clock to keep the highways up and running and took to the roads almost 40 times.
With temperatures not climbing above zero, gritters went out during the day as well as at night and were supported by teams spreading grit and salt in town centres.
Following the recent sub-zero conditions - the most severe for almost 30 years - the group will look at how highways and footways can be kept safe to ensure that residents can get to work, school, surgeries and hospitals.
The committee will comprise seven county councillors and also explore ways of working with partners including district and parish councils, the police and the NHS.
Matthew Lugg, County Council Director of Highways, said: "We stocked up our barns last year to make sure we didn't run out of grit and have been praised for our work which meant Leicestershire could keep moving.
"Keeping highways and footways clear is vital to ensure safe movement of traffic and make sure that people can get to work, schools and other key services. It also contributes to reducing accidents and injuries to both people and property."
The County Council's fleet of 17 gritters is on standby and ready to treat Leicestershire's roads during cold weather.
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.
During cold weather, drivers should familiarise themselves with gritted routes, stick to the main roads and plan their journeys.
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.