We operate more than 60 gritting vehicles with 120 personnel on call over a 24-hour period, using around 200t of salt on each run.

 

We use accurate weather forecasts, dedicated weather stations and roadside sensors to help us decide when to grit, and how much salt to spread. We aim to take action during early mornings and late evenings to minimise disruption to your journey.

 

We work with local district, borough, parish and town councils to provide the best possible winter service for our residents and highway users, as well as a network of local farmers who are on standby ready to plough roads if required.

 

More information can be found in our frequently asked questions answer sheet. 

Our decision of when to grit is based on predicted weather forecast information, humidity levels, current road and air temperatures and the amount of salt remaining on the roads. We aim to take action during the early mornings and late evenings, where possible, to minimise the disruption to you as a road user. 

Costs

Salt usage

 

From 2006/07 to 2009/10, the spread rates varied between 10-20g per metre squared. Assuming an average of 15g/m2 spread rates and the average number of runs per season, the above amounts of salt were used.

 

For 2010/11, the salt used was treated with molasses (a sugar by-product) which enables the salt to stick to the road, reducing the amount required. Spread rates varied between 7g/m2 and 15g/m2.  Assuming an average of 10g/m2 spread rate and the average number of runs per season, you will note the reduction in tonnage of salt used.

 

Note: the above does not include salt used for secondary roads and footways. For 2010/11 the total salt usage was in the order of 20,000t or nearly 700 truck loads. 

The county of Essex is divided into five areas for the winter service. These areas are:

The following table shows the number of runs completed per area over the past five years.