Gritting crews are out making sure our icy roads are safe for drivers this winter.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s contractor Veolia has three gritting vehicles called, ‘Grit me Baby One More Time’, ‘Brad Grit’ and ‘Thaw Enforcement’, which have already been out 12 times since the New Year, spreading over 220 tonnes of salt.
The ‘main route’ gritter spreads nine tonnes of salt per operation and two smaller gritters cover additional routes and both spread five tonnes of salt each per operation.
Additionally, there are 122 public salt bins across the Borough and over 1,100 tonnes of salt in reserve. You can find a map of salt bins and gritting routes at www.southend.gov.uk/winter
Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member for public protection, said: “Keeping Southend-on-Sea moving whatever the weather is crucial for our residents, businesses, and emergency services, and we have been working hard over the past few weeks to make sure are roads are safe.
“Whilst our teams are working very hard on gritting our roads, there may be occasions where we can help to keep each other safe. Make sure to make use of the 122 public grit bins but, please only use what you need in order to clear pathways near your property or business. Also, please remember to check in with any vulnerable neighbours who may need some assistance.
“I would like to urge all residents to ensure they check their vehicles and road conditions before setting out on their journeys, and if conditions are poor, consider waiting until the weather improves, giving our gritters the ability to treat our roads.”
Stuart Atkinson, Senior Contract Manager for Veolia said: “I am extremely proud of our gritting crews who are always ready to step forward, even in the middle of the night, to carry out our gritting duties and keep Southend residents safe.
If you are out driving and happen to follow our gritters, please be patient and hold back, the crews are working hard to keep road conditions safe for all the road users.”