Posted on Wednesday 18th January 2023
Staffordshire’s army of gritters were out in force yesterday and last night as freezing temperatures and a band of snow showers hit the county.
Crews were out from 1pm yesterday (17 January) and throughout the night to help keep roads clear while snow ploughs were in operation in the hills in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Crews are also out again this morning and will be monitoring conditions throughout the day.
With freezing temperatures set to continue through the morning and a risk of ice on the roads, drivers are being reminded to take extra care.
David Williams, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Our gritting crews always do a fantastic job, often working in very difficult conditions to help people get to where they need to go safely.
“Crews were out yesterday, throughout the night and are out again this morning to help keep the roads clear and the county on the move.
“I would like to remind Motorists that they can play their part too by slowing down, taking extra care and allow more time for their journeys. It’s also important to remember that the grit does also need traffic to travel over it to work effectively.
“We have a fleet of more than 40 gritters and have around 20,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled so we remain well prepared for whatever else winter has in store.”
On routine winter days and nights gritters will be focusing on the major routes and extending to the wider network in prolonged ice and snow conditions.
People can find out more about where the teams grit and how we prepare for winter at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/winter