In response to feedback from the recent Quality of Life survey, which highlighted roads and transport as top concerns, the council has initiated early preparations.

The winter service fleet, comprising 38 gritters and two quad bikes, is on standby, supported by four fully stocked salt barns containing 12,000 tonnes of rock salt. Additionally, grit bins are being replenished across communities.

From 1 November to 15 April, forecasts will be monitored daily using roadside sensors to predict frost and ice. Salt treatments will be applied to main routes before conditions become hazardous.

Last winter, gritting crews were called out 48 times, often working through the night to keep residents moving safely.

The council also maintains over 110,000 drains across Cambridgeshire, with teams working year-round to clear and repair them, reducing the risk of flooding. New adverse weather compounds have been established at depots, ensuring teams have quick access to the equipment needed to respond rapidly to winter hazards.

Cllr Robin Wyatt, Vice-Chair of the Highways and Transport Committee, emphasized the importance of residents feeling safe and supported during the winter months. He noted that crews and volunteers work tirelessly to keep roads, cycleways, and paths clear, so residents can feel confident in their journeys.

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