Deploying gritters in preparation for winter temperatures

Even if there’s no hint of icy weather, gritters will be taking to the county’s roads this Saturday 15th October. West Sussex County Council will be deploying 19 gritters to test its winter readiness for when temperatures do drop.

The annual “dry run” prepares the County Council to keep safe main roads and approaches to hospitals, schools/colleges and busy bus routes.

Drivers from contractor Balfour Beatty Living Places check the vehicles and equipment are in good working order and it is an opportunity to familiarise themselves again with the routes. They also note any problems, such as overgrown hedges, that need attention ahead of severe weather later in the year and see if there are ways to make the runs more efficient.

County Council decisions on whether to grit the roads

There is more information online about the Councils winter planning, including their gritting routes and how they decide which roads to grit. Residents can follow the Council on Twitter @WSHighways #GritterTwitter to see daily decisions on whether the Council will send the gritters out.

• They monitor the weather closely from 1st October to 30th April and will make a daily decision on whether they need to grit (salt).
• The gritting routes cover nearly 1,700km of highway, including all A and B roads, and include routes of local importance such as major bus routes, access to emergency service bases, hospitals and large industrial establishments.
• They start the winter season with around 8,000 tonnes of salt in stores and monitor stocks carefully throughout the season.
• They support town and parish councils which have local winter plans by topping up grit bins at the beginning of the winter season.
• Whilst they are out spreading, grit takes time to work on the roads and they always ask drivers to take their time and always drive to the conditions.