NEWSROOM

The first grit marks the point when months of preparation turn into action, with teams ready to be out when it counts to help keep Telford and Wrekin moving safely through the colder months.

Throughout the winter season, from now until April, a dedicated crew of 16 drivers operating nine vehicles, including gritting lorries and a 4x4 equipped with the latest weather and radar technology, will be ready to respond when forecasts show road temperatures are likely to fall and ice could form.

Together, the crews are expected to spread approximately 3,200 tonnes of grit across 400 kilometres of the Borough’s road network throughout the winter season, prioritising routes which keep communities connected, including key bus corridors, routes used by emergency services, schools, employment parks and rural villages.

The Council has prepared substantial salt stocks ahead of winter, with more than 3,000 tonnes already stocked and ready to go. Earlier preparations also included the annual dry run, when vehicles, equipment, routes and crews were tested before temperatures began to fall.

While gritting significantly reduces the risk of ice forming, motorists are reminded that treated roads can still become slippery. Salt requires moisture and traffic movement to complete the de-icing process, meaning roads can remain icy for a period after treatment, particularly overnight when traffic levels are lower.

Residents are therefore encouraged to be sensible when making journeys during colder conditions. Allow extra time, check the forecast before travelling, make sure windscreens are fully cleared and drive according to the road conditions, leaving additional stopping distance between vehicles.

But the Council’s winter response goes beyond its gritting fleet.

More than 1,000 grit bins are now available across the Borough, giving communities access to grit during icy weather. Residents who notice a grit bin running low can report it to the Council so teams can assess it and arrange for it to be replenished. The expansion to more than 1,000 bins formed part of the Council’s preparations ahead of this winter.

The Council will also be supported by its network of snow wardens, who play an important role in helping their local communities during periods of cold and severe weather.

Councillor Nathan England, Cabinet Member for Safer Streets and Better Housing, said: “The first grit of the season is when all that winter preparation turns into action. Our teams have been getting ready for months, and with colder weather and frost on the way, they’ll be out doing what they do best.

“From our dedicated gritting crews and snow wardens to more than 1,000 grit bins across the Borough, there’s a huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to keep Telford and Wrekin moving through winter. All our teams will be keeping a close eye on the weather and road conditions throughout the winter, ready to respond when needed.

“I want to give a particular thanks to the teams who head out in the middle of the night, often in freezing temperatures, to keep our roads moving. It’s not an easy job, and most people won’t even see the work taking place; but it makes a real difference to thousands of people getting to work, taking their children to school, and going about their daily lives.

“But even with all that preparation, gritting can’t remove every risk. So I’d encourage everyone to check the weather before setting off, allow a little extra time for journeys and drive to the conditions, even on roads that have already been treated.”

The Council monitors weather forecasts and local road conditions throughout the winter to determine when precautionary treatment is required, with deployments focused on keeping priority routes safe and accessible.

Residents can find winter information, including gritting routes and severe weather advice, through the Council’s winter information pages at www.telford.gov.uk/winter

As we progress through the winter season, if grit bins are empty or running low, along with other highways issues including potholes and blocked gullies, residents can report them through www.telford.gov.uk/reportit allowing the appropriate service to assess and respond to the issue.

Where there is an immediate risk to life or public safety, residents should call 999.