Watch: Staffordshire Council's gritters hit the streets ahead of the winter season
Staffordshire's fleet of gritters has been out on the streets as they prepare for winter.
Staffordshire County Council's team of gritters and snowploughs have been spotted on the streets as they test their routes and gear in preparation for bad weather ahead of the cold season.
The 37-strong fleet was backed up by more than 20,000 tonnes of salt as they rolled through the streets of Staffordshire to prepare for any bad weather their resident may potentially face.
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From mid-October, the council's 'Winter Decision Makers' will begin to use real-time data from weather forecasting stations across Staffordshire to decide where the gritters and salt will be needed the most.
The council said that major routes will 'remain a priority', but in prolonged cases of icy or snowy conditions, crews will 'work around the clock' to make sure the roads are safe.
As well as regular street gritters, the council's hill contractors will also be seen to grit higher grounds and places that are too narrow for the regular machines to fit.
Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council cabinet member for Strategic Highways, said: "This operation is a vital part of our winter preparations. It’s not just about checking that everything is in full working order; it’s about making sure our teams are confident, our routes are clear, and our systems are ready to respond quickly when the weather turns.
“It’s also good to see a number of younger team members successfully complete their apprenticeships and come on board to drive gritters.
“We know how important it is to keep Staffordshire moving during the winter months. Whether it’s getting children to school, helping emergency services reach people in need, or keeping businesses running, our crews are ready to do their bit."
