A fleet of 21 gritters, including Basil Salty, Ctrl Salt Delete and David Plowie, is ready to roll as East Sussex Highways launches its winter service.
Backed by 10,000 tonnes of rock salt, the vehicles – named by schoolchildren across the county – will treat more than 750 miles of road.
Until the end of April, teams will use specialist forecasts and data from five roadside weather stations to decide when and where to grit, while GPS tracking allows a response around the clock.
Cllr Peter Griffiths, lead member for transport and environment, said preparations included Operation Snowdrop at the end of September, when vehicles, ploughs and spreading equipment were checked and more than 900 grit bins and tubes were inspected and refilled.
Last winter, 4,001 tonnes of salt was used across 38 runs. Motorists are urged to carry de-icer, a shovel, a blanket, a charged phone and suitable clothing.
Cllr Griffiths added: ‘With our highways teams ready to mobilise, I would encourage motorists to prepare themselves for winter and potential emergency situations.
‘Wear weather-appropriate clothing, chuck your Wellies in the boot, and make sure you have winter essentials such as de-icer, a shovel, a blanket and a fully charged mobile phone.’
Photo: © East Sussex County Council
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