Two electric gritters to join North Yorkshire Highways
Electric gritters have been introduced In a bid to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030
Last updated 28th Sep 2022
Electric gritters will be joining North Yorkshire’s winter fleet with hopes to save money and reduce harmful carbon emissions.
A gritter is a vehicle which spreads grit on roads during icy weather, or when icy conditions are expected
The gritting bodies which deploy the salt will run on an electric battery that can charge in just over 30 minutes. The battery will be able to do multiple runs before needing to be recharged.
Two electric gritters have been added to North Yorkshire Highways as part of the trial.
The vehicles have an anticipated fuel saving of up to 20 per cent compared to standard, diesel-powered gritters.
The task to keep the 5,753-mile network of roads across North Yorkshire, which is England’s largest county, safe and open during the winter months is a massive task undertaken every year.
A commitment to achieving net carbon neutrality by 2030
“The electric-bodied gritters are a first for the council’s winter service delivery,” said North Yorkshire County Council’s executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Keane Duncan. “Innovation is high on our agenda and it is another way we are showing our commitment to achieving net carbon neutrality by 2030.
“The two gritters don’t have any hydraulics which mean there’s less chance of mechanical failure. This increased reliability is vital when we are against the clock trying to deliver the best winter service that we can.”
North Yorkshire Highways, which is the county’s highways maintenance company overseen by North Yorkshire County Council, is looking for HGV drivers to join the authority’s highways team based at various depots across North Yorkshire.
Ross Bullerwell, managing director of NY Highways, said: “Winter maintenance is one of the most important services that we provide to the communities of North Yorkshire and its network of almost 5,800 miles of road.
“We provide a 24 hour a day, seven days a week service running multiple routes. We require a skilled workforce to ensure a smooth delivery so there is minimal disruption to routes throughout the winter period.”