Release date: 20 October 2020
Gritters have been on the annual 'dry' run (no rock salt used) to test the county council’s readiness to keep priority routes safe this winter.
Drivers from our contractor, Balfour Beatty Living Places, check the gritters and equipment are in good working order ahead of any severe weather later in the year. They also note any problems they might find on the routes, such as overgrown hedges needing attention.
Winter readiness in numbers:
- 19 gritters are ready to grit 1,690km of road again on key routes, just like last year
- We have 8,200 tonnes of rock salt in our stockpiles
- 800 community salt bins are ready, including about 100 which have been re-stocked
When snow or ice is forecast, we salt the priority routes as we cannot salt every road in the county. We have many very active communities with local winter plans and salt bins and equipment across West Sussex.
These communities carry out snow and ice clearance in areas of local importance. The county council assists them by working with parish, town, district and borough councils, topping-up their salt bins before the winter season.
Parish and town councils also work with local farmers or contractors who can assist with snow clearance when needed.
Find out more at www.westsussex.gov.uk/highways-winter-service
