With early predictions of colder weather this week, gritters are geared up and ready to protect Leicestershire’s road network.
A stockpile of rock salt has been building up over the past few months and stored at five barns across the county.
Around 16,500 tonnes of rock salt is available to wrap a protective coat around county roads – covering around 1,300 miles.
Picture credit: Leicestershire County Council
When the weather is consistently cold, approaching 130 tonnes of salt will be spread every day by gritters from Leicestershire County Council.
The council treats major roads, including A-routes and heavily used B-routes, roads linking towns and larger villages and outside bus, train, fire and ambulance stations and hospitals.
There are 23 gritters and 20 drivers on standby to be called into action.
Weather conditions last year were generally milder, but the gritters were still out and about, they undertook 47 runs around the county, treated roads with over 5,000 tonnes of salt and covered half of the road network.
Councillor Ozzy O’Shea, cabinet member for highways, said: “Our gritters are kitted out with the latest hi-tech temperature tracking equipment and that helps to ensure our roads can be treated as fast and effectively as possible.
“We stand prepared to respond to changes in weather conditions, we also have our snow wardens and local farmers to support us, if required.”
