Oxfordshire readies 30 gritter lorries for winter roads

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Nov, 06:08 · Archive

Oxfordshire County Council has deployed 55 trained drivers and 30 gritter lorries ahead of winter.

Oxfordshire County Council has confirmed it is prepared for winter, with 55 trained drivers and 30 gritter lorries on standby. More than 10,000 tonnes of salt are also in storage across three barns located in Deddington, Drayton and Woodcote.

Councillor Liz Leffman, cabinet member for highways construction and repairs, said the council is 'committed to keeping our network of major roads free from ice and snow to minimise the risk of accidents and ensure that traffic can flow smoothly'. She said gritter drivers work at unsociable hours and in cold temperatures to achieve this. Motorists should not assume roads will be ice-free and must adjust their driving to conditions, she added. When gritters are working, they are restricted to 30mph.

Last winter, gritters were deployed 34 times, including on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, using 6,184 tonnes of salt. Richard Lovewell, M Group Business Director, said winter maintenance relies on 'careful planning, accurate weather forecasting and the commitment of our frontline teams'.

How it is being reported

• Oxfordshire gritters ready to hit roads as winter arrivesOxfordshire County Council has confirmed it is prepared for winter, with 55 trained drivers and 30 gritter lorries on standby.Oxford Mail · 14 Nov, 05:00
• Oxfordshire gritters ready to hit roads as winter arrivesOxfordshire County Council has confirmed it is prepared for winter, with 55 trained drivers and 30 gritter lorries on standby.Oxfordshire Guardian · 14 Nov, 05:00

In this story: Oxfordshire County Council · Liz Leffman · Richard Lovewell · Oxfordshire · Deddington · Drayton · Woodcote

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log