Council stocks up on grit - ready for winter

Rochdale’s gritters gear up for winter weather

Seven gritters are on standby ready to keep the borough’s main roads safe and at the council depot on Princess Street in Rochdale there are now over 4,500 tonnes of salt for spreading when temperatures drop.

The council is monitoring weather forecasts and road conditions, ready to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week when needed right through to the middle of April 2018.

They receive regular weather forecasts designed to give information about road surface temperatures and the likelihood of ice, snow or flooding. This is monitored continuously in conjunction with a computerised ice detection system and cameras.

The council also uses automatic gritting technology – which spreads exactly the amount of grit salt required so drivers can concentrate solely on the road. ‘Autologic’ knows the borough’s exact road widths and ensures the optimal amount of salt is spread to maximise the treatments, meaning salt isn’t wasted. Particularly hazardous spots can be set to automatically get additional salt.

Residents are being advised to make sure they are ready to deal with icy and wet conditions too as well as the simple things they can do to keep warm, healthy and safe during winter.

This includes making sure vehicles are ready for severe weather, that you have the right equipment to keep you safe, and know how to drive in extreme weather conditions. You should also look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may need extra help over the winter months.

If you live or have a business in an area which is prone to flooding you can register with the Environment Agency for advance warnings of any flood danger.

Councillor Neil Emmott, cabinet member for housing and environment, said: “Winter maintenance is a high priority for us, we plan for winter all year round so we are in a strong position and ready for whatever the weather brings.

"Almost 200 miles of roads are salted during one round of complete gritting – 50 per cent of the total road network in the borough, and there are up to 28 drivers on standby. Most of this is carried out at night or early morning. However, gritting is not guaranteed to always keep snow off every road. A sudden change in weather is not unusual and we urge everyone to reduce their speed and drive carefully when conditions deteriorate.”

"When snow or icy conditions are forecast, gritting teams carry out precautionary gritting and snow clearing, with ploughs fitted to all vehicles when necessary. The council also has over 500 salt bins around the borough in areas where particularly difficult conditions exist."