Staffordshire’s gritting crews see first winter action

Staffordshire’s army of gritters were in action last night as freezing temperatures hit the county.

Gritting crews, supported by hill contractors in the north of the county were out last night (Sunday) and again this morning in the Staffordshire Moorlands. And with freezing temperatures expected to continue throughout the week, and a risk of ice on the roads, drivers are being reminded to take extra care.

David Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Staffordshire County Council said: “Last night we saw temperatures drop right across the county making it a busy shift for our gritting crews as they rolled into action for the first time.

“The weather has been fairly mild up to now but with the freezing temperatures expected to continue, crews remain on standby ready to roll when needed. On a typical day, they’ll be out largely on the main roads but in prolonged ice or snow, they will be pulling out all the stops to treat less major routes across the network. The higher ground, particularly in the Staffordshire Moorlands, often takes the brunt of any snowfall but our hill contractors are ready for any challenges.

“I would also remind motorists that they have a role to play too. Regardless of whether a road has been gritted, people need to slow down, drive to the conditions and allow more time for their journeys. The most important thing is that we all get through winter safely.”

Road conditions, weather and temperatures are being monitored from nine stations across the county and the team of Winter Decision Makers will make the call as to when and where to send out the gritters.

And with five depots primed for action, 20,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled and hill contractors ready in the higher ground, teams are well prepared for whatever the winter decides to throw at them.