Gritters rolling out to keep residents moving this winter

You know that winter is well and truly on the way when you see Tameside Council’s gritting team out on the roads. The team were out last night (Monday 5 December) for the first time this winter ensuring crucial routes around the borough remain safe and accessible in the rapidly cooling weather predicted this week when temperatures may drop below freezing. Gritting helps to prevent problems or unecessary delays so residents can stay safe on the their travels on Tameside’s road network and so essential services can remain accessible.

The gritting team is on standby twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week between October and April  as you never know when bad weather will strike. With twenty one drivers and eight gritters on standby with 5500 tonnes of rock salt ready to spread  as weather demands requires. The team constantly monitor the weather and recieve updates daily from  MetDesk which they use to inform the action that they take. With 12 weather cameras keeping a watchful eye on the road condition across Tameside and neighbouring Authorities including two weather stations in Ashton and Dukinfield monitoring temperatures. The timing is crucial to ensure that the salt mixture has enough time to take effect to prevent ice forming and to provide a debonding layer for when snow falls, this allows for sucessful ploughing.

Councillor Denise Ward, Executive Member for Climate Emergency & Environmental Services, said “It’s great to see the team roll into action in order to ensure that the roads stay clear and safe in colder weather as always, they are fully prepared for any contingency and they work hard throughout the year to make sure Tameside’s winter ready. While the council will be doing everything it can to keep key roads clear during freezing weather or snow, drivers should drive carefully and take precautions in worsening conditions. Residents can also help out by getting ready to clear ice outside their homes, stocking up on grit for drives and paths, and by keeping an eye on elderly neighbours where they can.”

Residents can stock up on their own grit supply available from supermarkets, garden centres and DIY outlets so that they are equipped to treat their paths and driveways when they freeze.

For the latest updates keep an eye on Twitter and follow @tmbc_highways and @TamesideCouncil. For more information to help make sure you’re ready for winter weather go to Be Prepared for Winter Weather (tameside.gov.uk)