Mobile: 0794 120 1995
'Ready and waiting' apparently.
The team has already been out many times, and is ready to keep the county's roads running smoothly over the next few weeks.
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.
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.
People can have updates on both the weather and road conditions on Twitter by following @WiltshireWinter and @WiltshireRoads
10 things to know about the gritting season:
1. WC has 24 gritters ready to treat the primary network – that is 25% of the county’s roads including primary A and B roads, and 50% of the network in severe conditions
2. The gritters will cover 726 miles from strategically located depots, spreading 150 tonnes of salt each time they go out on the primary network
3. Salt, not grit, is spread, and 11,000 tonnes is held in stock at the start of the winter season
4. Weather stations are strategically placed around the county which give real time information and assist in producing accurate forecasts to ensure gritters are sent out at the right time
5. A dedicated team of duty engineers monitor the weather 24/7 during the season supported by highways staff and a team of 24 drivers who are on standby throughout to be called into action at any time. Farmers and other specialist contractors are also on standby to help their communities with snow ploughing
6. 1,600 salt bins are being filled for use on local, lightly used roads and pavements.
7. WC has invested in six tractors which can assist in winter maintenance
8. Last winter the gritters went out 44 times
9. 6,510 tonnes of salt were spread on Wiltshire’s roads last season (2016/17)
10. WC has a dry run at the start of each winter season. During the run no salt is spread, but residents will see gritters out and about on the designated gritting network during the day as drivers familiarise themselves with the routes.