Dorset Council invest in new gritters ahead of winter
The authority say they've also got 13,000 tonnes of salt in stock
Dorset Council's highways team's been sharing how they're preparing for the winter.
They have more than 90 members of staff ready for on-call duties during inclement weather, and nearly 13,000 tonnes of rock salt in store.
The authority's also invested in some new gritting vehicles this year, which are thought to be more efficient, with modern engines that have increased fuel economy.
Last winter, Dorset's gritting crews were called out 170 times, over 148 days using 5,615 tonnes of salt - that's double the number of runs compared to 2021/22.
The team covers 684 miles of roads across 23 main gritting routes, which are treated when road surface temperatures are expected to drop below one degree Celsius.
In addition, community routes serving smaller villages and hamlets will also be treated during prolonged cold spells, so rural communities can continue to travel.
They also carry out gritting on the A35 trunk road between Bere Regis and Charmouth, on behalf of National Highways.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel, and Environment said:
“Our dedicated highways crews step away from their regular roles when the temperatures fall to keep residents, businesses, and emergency services moving and as safe as possible.
“Last winter was particularly busy, so we’re hoping temperatures don’t drop so regularly this year, but whatever the coming months bring, we are ready!”
Cllr Bryan also urged caution among drivers, saying:
“Conditions can change quickly, so please take care when out and about. If you find yourself behind a gritting vehicle, please be patient and take care on freshly gritted roads."