Gritters ready for action this winter in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
The Council say they've been making preparations for cold snaps
A fleet of 14 gritting lorries are on standby across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as the south prepares for cold weather this winter.
BCP Council has been updating us on how they've been getting ready.
They've told us 2,800 tonnes of rock salt is ready to go - with 177 grit bins stocked up.
The winter service looks after 780 miles of roads across the BCP region from the first frost.
During snowy and icy weather, the road temperatures are monitored by a series of weather stations across the region, which allows the council to grit roads only when it’s needed.
Priority is placed on clearing routes for buses and emergency vehicles and maintaining access to hospitals, schools, main roads and pavements in high footfall areas.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy said:
“BCP Council’s staff are prepared and ready for any challenging weather this winter. Our highways teams often work through the night gritting main routes to make our roads safer for residents on their way to work or doing the school drop-off in the morning – and also allowing other essential services, including health and care teams, to continue to visit residents who need it the most.
“During long periods of cold weather, please check on elderly and vulnerable neighbours to ensure they’re keeping warm and safe. Wear warm clothes and footwear with a good grip if you need to get around. If you’re clearing your car or driveway from snow and ice, use a brush, salt or sand and not water, as this will just freeze.
“I’d like to thank all our council teams who go out whatever the weather to make sure everyone is safe across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. We are both weather ready and winter ready, and I’d encourage all our residents to prepare ahead of time so they’re all ready for the winter months as well!”
Advice for drivers in wintry conditions
BCP Council's also urging people to make sure they’re ready, by following some simple steps:
- Make sure your car is winter ready before each journey
- Prepare a winter kit for your car
- Consider walking and shopping local rather than driving
- Check the council’s gritting routes before traveling so you can take the safest journey
- Have a stock of non-perishable, easily prepared food that doesn’t need cooking
- Know where your torch is and make sure there are spare batteries nearby
- Find friendly warm, welcome spaces in your local community
- Follow the Met Office advice on getting your home and property winter ready
- Check the NHS web pages for more information on winter health
- Follow the winter driving advice by the RAC to get to your destination safely