Supplied by Bucher Municipal, the two gritters are anticipated to deliver a fuel saving of up to 20% compared to standard, diesel-powered gritters.

The gritting bodies which deploy the salt will run on an electric battery that can charge in just over 30 minutes. The battery will be able to do multiple runs before needing to be recharged.

‘The electric-bodied gritters are a first for the council’s winter service delivery,’ said executive member for highways and transportation, Cllr Keane Duncan.

‘Innovation is high on our agenda and it is another way we are showing our commitment to achieving net carbon neutrality by 2030.

‘The two gritters don’t have any hydraulics which means there’s less chance of mechanical failure. This increased reliability is vital when we are against the clock trying to deliver the best winter service that we can.’