When temperatures drop across North Lincolnshire, the winter service team including the 10 gritters are on standby 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to help keep motorists safe.
Armed with 5,000 tonnes of salt, gritter drivers will brave the elements in all hours to treat 1,000km of the county’s roads – a coverage which exceeds the national average.
These routes are carefully targeted, with priority given to main roads, routes to hospitals and emergency service stations, selected hills and more.
Motorists are encouraged to help the gritter drivers in their mission to keep the roads safe by being well-prepared and following these tips:
- Ask yourself if your journey is really necessary – will it wait until the weather improves?
- If you have to travel, give yourself extra time for the journey – don’t put pressure on yourself by rushing.
- Make sure you and your vehicle are properly equipped: carry warm clothing and footwear; keep screen washer full and make sure windows are clean; check lights and keep them clean; ensure battery is fully charged; add anti-freeze to the radiator and check fluids; and check tyres for condition, correct pressure and tread depth.
- Slow down and take extra care. It is your responsibility to drive to the road and weather conditions.
- If you get into trouble, especially in the snow, stay with your vehicle until help arrives.
For more information and advice for keeping safe in winter conditions, visit the winter service and gritting page.
Cllr Tim Mitchell, cabinet member for connectivity, said:
“The winter service crew is ready to patrol North Lincolnshire’s roads, battling the cold temperatures mainly through the night and early morning ready for when everyone wakes up. The team do an outstanding job in protecting residents in North Lincolnshire, which is often a relentless task when the freezing temperatures hit.
“Since the end of October, the team has been monitoring the weather forecast and road conditions and are on standby 24/7 for when the temperatures drop. If the weather conditions do turn, as always, we would advise people to only drive if it is really necessary and follow our tips for keeping safe.”
Keep well this winter
While the drop in temperatures can bring challenges, there is lots of help available to support your family.
You’ll find simple, practical steps you can take to stay safe, well and connected this winter on the keep well this winter page.
These include useful tips on managing health and wellbeing and energy consumption, as well as details of the winter grants you may be eligible for.
