Keeping the district moving this winter
Monday, November 18, 2024
THE GRIT TEAM are ready for winter – and have already completed the first grit run of the winter season last night (17 November) as temperatures dropped.
“Once again our team of dedicated gritter drivers are ready to keep our roads safe and open as winter arrives.
“Our gritting team come from right across the Council. We’ve got people from Street Scene, finance, economic growth, engineers, and procurement officers, as well as from highways. Some of them have seen some really severe winter conditions over the years and have missed family celebrations and other important anniversaries to grit our roads.
“We’re very grateful for their commitment to turn out, night or day, in freezing and snowy conditions to try and keep us all moving.”
Cllr Matthew Morley
Cabinet Member for Planning and Highways
The team of 36 men and women from across the Council will be providing a 24-hour service – seven days a week. Between them, the crew will drive 14 gritters to cover over 555km of main roads which are used by more than 90 per cent of all the traffic in the district.
THE GRIT TEAM’s priorities are all A and B roads and steep main roads to villages, housing or industrial estates, main hospitals and large schools. They’ll also be restocking 380 grit bins across the district. And in severe weather, they’ll be helping out on minor estate roads making sure that bin collections can keep running.
Wakefield Council has over 4,700 tonnes of grit held in a special storage area, that keeps it dry and allows the gritters to restock as quickly as possible. It takes just over 2.5 hours to do a full grit run and then the gritters need to be checked, washed down and reloaded before they can set off again.
Residents are also being asked to volunteer as Snow Wardens, to help keep pavements and areas around their homes clear of snow and ice. Snow Wardens join forces to help their neighbours and more vulnerable citizens who can’t help themselves by clearing pavements, drives and local streets whilst the Council focuses on its priority routes.
Cllr Morley added “We have a fantastic team of Snow Wardens in place across the district who do an excellent job in supporting their local communities, helping their neighbours and vulnerable residents. If you are able to come and join our army of Snow Wardens, please get in touch.”
Snow wardens are provided with grit, gloves, and high vis jacket. To sign up to become a Snow Warden call 0345 8 506 506 or go to www.wakefield.gov.uk/winter
Residents can keep up to date on THE GRIT TEAM, and when they are out and about, on the Council’s Facebook page.
During spells of severe bad weather, the Council will also keep residents informed of any disruption and offer advice on the Your District weekly residents’ e-newsletter. Sign up now at https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/contact-wakefield-council/your-district-newsletter/