Gritters are ready to be deployed on Cumbria’s roads as temperatures drop.
Winter formally starts at the end of September, for Cumberland Council, and its gritter fleet has since gone through a rigorous service plan over the summer.
Additionally, all council salt barns have been fully stocked, with the refilling of salt bins on request due to start imminently.
There’s no set date for when the gritters will first be deployed, but Cumberland Council said its engineers review the weather forecast each morning and plan that day’s action accordingly.
“Our aim is always to pre-treat the network once the forecast suggests temperatures of zero degrees and below.
“We will monitor the weather forecasting and may need to change our course of action prior to our pre-salt of the network,” a council spokesperson said.
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They added: “Between September 30 2024 and May 4 2025, the council will operate its winter treatment service with a full team of drivers, supervisors, decision-makers, and duty managers in place.
“Over the summer, we have prepared our vehicles, equipment, and materials to ensure readiness.
“We continuously monitor weather patterns year-round to respond effectively to any events.
“Our winter service will maintain a highway network of over 3,600 km, ensuring it remains safe and operational throughout the season, we are ready.”
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