Ninety-three new state of the art gritters will be
patrolling England’s motorways and major A roads this winter as
part of a multi-million investment to help keep traffic moving in
severe weather.
The new gritters will improve safety for drivers and workers due
to the vehicles’ improved technology, set up and enhanced
visibility. They also treat the roads at a maximum of 50mph,
10mph faster than earlier models.
Highways England’s winter fleet manager Jane Wilkins said:
The latest vehicles contain innovative technology which
includes being able to pre-programme the gritters with
information specific to each gritting route. This enables salt
to be spread onto the road automatically, considering any
specific requirements for bridges, landscape and other road
features allowing drivers to give their full attention to
driving at all times.
When the wintry weather does arrive our 1,300 specially trained
gritter drivers will be ready to work around the clock to keep
traffic moving.
To help keep drivers on the move this winter, Highways England
has 535 gritters available which have all gone through a summer
service, 127 depots based at strategic points across the network,
23 snow blowers which can remove up to 2,500 tonnes of snow per
hour and will be storing over 280,000 tonnes of salt.
To monitor the weather around the clock Highways England has
around 250 weather stations located across its 4,400 miles of
motorways and major A roads. Overhead warning signs can also be
used to inform motorists of severe weather.
When severe weather is forecast drivers should follow this
advice:
- in snow and ice, drivers should stick to the main roads where
they can and only travel if necessary - drivers are also
encouraged to make sure they have a snow kit in their vehicle,
including an ice scraper and de-icer, warm clothes and blankets
and sunglasses to cope with the low winter sun.
- in high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans
and motorbikes, so drivers should slow down and avoid using
exposed sections of road if possible.
- in heavy rain, drivers should keep well back from the vehicle
in front, gradually ease off the accelerator if the steering
becomes unresponsive, and slow down if the rain and spray from
vehicles makes it difficult to see and be seen.
- in fog, drivers should switch on their fog lights and not use
lights on full beam as the fog will reflect the light back. If
you really cannot see, you should consider finding a safe place
to stop until it is safe to continue.
Drivers are advised to follow messages on the overhead signs and
listen to radio updates.
