Essex County Council’s fleet of winter gritters are on standby as forecasts predict that a spell of colder weather is on the way.
The county has a healthy supply of grit available, having restocked to capacity for the start of the winter season. Essex has 65 winter gritters is ready to mobilise, with 120 personnel on call over a 24 hour period.
Decision on when to send gritters out are based on dedicated forecasts from the County Council’s own weather service and readings from roadside temperatures across Essex.
Residents can get the latest gritting updates by following the Essex Travel Twitter –
www.twitter.com/Essex_Travel The County Council is required to focus its gritting resources on keeping major roads clear, so it operates a precautionary salting network. This includes all ‘A’ and ‘B’ roads, access routes for emergency services, rural link roads and major public transport routes.
Residents are advised to check their cars to make sure they are ready for travelling in icy conditions. There is lots of advice on safe winter travel at
www.essex.gov.uk/winter.
County Councillor Tracey Chapman, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transportation, said: “We are closely monitoring weather forecasts and our gritting fleet is ready to mobilise when required. I advise motorists to travel with extra caution and ensure that their vehicles are ready for winter. Keeping the main Essex road network safe throughout winter is a top priority.”