Road gritting team prepare for winter operation

The gritting team at Suffolk Highways is ready for action

Suffolk Highways has prepared a fleet of gritters as weather temperatures continue to fall.

The authority has 39 gritting lorries, 17,000 tonnes of salt and a team of more than 80 people, ready to treat more than 2,000 miles of road across the county.

It is encouraging residents to make sure their cars are “winter ready” and ensure they drive according to the road conditions.

Paul West, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for operational highways and flooding, said: “To find out where Father Gritmas, Gritty Gritty Bang Bang and Spread Sheeran are, the public can follow their whereabouts on social media."

The authority is responsible for gritting 70 priority routes including all A and B roads (except trunk roads), as well as access to fire stations, hospitals, main bus routes and rail stations.

It includes roads leading to rural villages and access to schools.

Suffolk Highways has also refilled 2,100 grit bins across the county at registered locations to further prepare the county for the wintry weather.

Communities are encouraged to monitor how and where the grit is used.

Conservative councillor West said he encouraged the public to “ park considerately” leaving enough room so the vehicles can grit the road.

"If we can’t fit, we can’t grit,” he said.