Gritters out and about in Devon

37 on standby

Devon County Council’s gritting teams have been out and about for the first time this season.

With road surface temperature close to, or just below, zero gritters were out on high ground routes on Dartmoor and Exmoor from 8pm.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office today issued a Yellow Cold-Health Alert for the South West, which is due to be in place until Saturday 22 November.

Weather conditions are being constantly monitored and gritting teams are ready to be called into action when needed. However, preparations started months ago. Gritting depots across the county are topped up with almost 24,000 tonnes of salt for the start of the season.

Gritting lorries have been serviced and maintained, and five of the 37 frontline gritters have been replaced with newer models to help improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs. All of these newer gritters feature touchscreen controls to enable drivers to adjust salt spreading rates and the position of their plough attachments without leaving their cab, which improves safety.

Residents are being reminded that they can also play their part to help gritter drivers over the coming months – simply by driving and parking considerately.

Councillor Dan Thomas, County Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said: “Gritting the roads is a really important part of our highways operations. If the gritters are out, they’re out for a reason, and they’re often out in the early hours of the morning and in treacherous conditions to keep roads on the gritting network as safe as possible for everyone who uses them.

“If you happen to be out when they are, please give way to them and please park considerately to allow the gritters to get around your towns and villages. If we can all do our bit so they’re not delayed while treating the roads that will be a great help.”