“We are ready to go” is the message from Wiltshire Council’s winter maintenance team as preparations are complete to keep the county’s roads running smoothly over the next few months.
Since the end of last winter, the council has been servicing its 24 gritting vehicles, amending and testing gritting routes, and developing closer working arrangements with parishes and other agencies.
The council has 14,000 tonnes of salt in stock strategically placed throughout the county in eight storage sites. There are also weather stations in key areas which provide real time information and assist in producing accurate forecasts to ensure gritters are sent out at the right time.
Philip Whitehead, cabinet member for highways, said, “We have a dedicated team doing an amazing job in very difficult conditions, and we are fully prepared for this coming winter. We can, of course, never predict how severe a winter will be, but the wealth of experience we have means we will be in the best position possible should bad weather hit the county.”
On average it can take up to 140 tonnes of salt to grit Wiltshire’s A and B class roads and 230 tonnes to salt an extended network during prolonged cold weather.
During severe weather local farmers also have an important role to play, with many clearing snow in their local areas when required.
The council also has a scheme where interested parish and town councils can arrange for delivery of a one tonne bag of salt. It will be delivered to an appropriate location within their parish, and then can be distributed as they wish. Many town and parish councils also have a snow warden and the council can give advance notice to them about severe weather. In addition, salt is supplied to many schools to maintain the car parks and keep their facilities open.
During winter people can have updates on both the weather and road conditions on Twitter by following @WiltshireWinter and @WiltshireRoads
