Local News · Wiltshire-wide
Wiltshire Council prepares winter road fleet as temperatures drop
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Wiltshire Council has confirmed its winter gritting fleet is on standby to keep key routes clear as temperatures begin to fall across the county.
Wiltshire Council has mobilised its winter operations team, placing 24 gritters on standby to maintain road safety as colder weather sets in. The fleet, stationed at strategic depots across the county, is ready to be deployed based on real-time weather forecasts that identify when road temperatures are expected to drop below freezing.
Last winter, the council's response teams were highly active, carrying out 41 separate deployments. During that period, the gritters treated approximately 31,000 miles of road and spread 4,500 tonnes of salt to keep vital transport links passable.
Councillor Ian Thorn, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Wiltshire Council, said the authority is prepared for the coming months. "We have 24 gritters at strategic depots around the county, ready to respond whenever conditions require it. Our priority is to keep Wiltshire’s key routes safe and usable during winter weather."
To support these efforts, the council currently holds a stockpile of approximately 11,500 tonnes of salt across six distribution points within the county. However, officials have issued a reminder that the gritting service is targeted at primary routes, meaning many minor roads remain untreated.
"Residents should remember that many minor roads are not routinely salted," Cllr Thorn added. "People should never assume a road has been treated and should always drive according to the conditions."
In preparation for the peak winter season, residents may notice gritters conducting test runs on local roads over the coming weeks. These exercises are designed to ensure that both the vehicles and the salt-spreading equipment are functioning correctly, while also allowing drivers to refresh their knowledge of the designated treatment routes.
Source: Salisbury Journal — Salisbury · View original