Rutland's Highways team is ready to deal with the winter weather
Gritters are on standby to keep the roads safe
Rutland County Council’s Highways Service is gearing up for winter to make sure local roads and road users stay safe as the temperature starts to drop.
Winter is the busiest time of year for the Council’s Highways Service, who monitor weather forecasts closely for advanced warnings of freezing temperatures and snow. Road conditions are monitored 24/7 throughout the winter period so that gritters and other emergency equipment can be deployed at a moment’s notice, if needed.
The Council’s Winter Maintenance period runs from October through to the spring and gritters have already been out several times in recent weeks to combat snow and overnight frosts. Gritting operations are carried out by the Council’s highways contractor, Tarmac.
Cllr Ian Razzell, Cabinet Member for Highways at Rutland County Council, said: “We’ve worked hard to be ready for winter, so that we’re able to minimise any disruption that might be caused by severe bad weather. Winter weather can be a health risk and even pose a threat to life. We work closely with local communities to keep roads and footways accessible but we also need motorists to do their bit by taking care and driving to the conditions.”
During periods of winter weather, Rutland County Council focuses on gritting major A and B roads around the county, as well as access routes into villages and main routes to doctors’ surgeries and schools. The Council will also treat the main footways in town centres when snow is forecast. However, it is not possible to treat Rutland’s entire highway network or to keep treated parts completely clear at all times.
To support its winter maintenance efforts, the Council also runs a Snow Warden Scheme. Snow Wardens are volunteers who help to clear snow and ice in their local neighbourhoods. The Highways Team provides training and equipment to community groups and Parish Councils who are part of this scheme. Anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer Snow Warden should contact their Town or Parish Council.
Cllr Razzell added: “Away from the roads, it’s important to think about friends and family members who may struggle when the weather gets very cold. Check in with them regularly and remember that the Council’s care services are here to help. If you’re worried about a relative or elderly neighbour.”