Nine new state-of-the-art gritting vehicles have been purchased by Dudley Council, as it prepares for the winter.
Nine new state-of-the-art gritting vehicles have been purchased by Dudley Council, as it prepares for the winter.
The new winter gritting fleet represents an investment of £1.5 million and has replaced the council’s existing vehicles.
Dudley Council has statutory duty to keep the highway network safe and passable during periods of snow and ice, and the new fleet will play a key role.
The new vehicles comprise seven 26-tonne gritters, two 18-tonne gritters and one smaller 7.2 tonne gritter. They are equipped with advanced winter maintenance technology, including automated spreading systems, integrated route guidance, route optimisation and GPS tracking, allowing gritting operations to be carried out more efficiently, accurately, and consistently.
It will also provide real-time vehicle location, salt application data and route performance information, helping to reduce unnecessary salt usage, improve fuel efficiency and strengthen operations during severe weather.
The local authority has more than 3,000 tonnes of salt stocked at its Lister Road Depot in readiness for any icy conditions.
Dudley Council recently received recommendations from a full review of its winter maintenance services. The recommendations are currently being considered and will be implemented before the winter begins.
Councillor Simon Phipps, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said:
“As the winter approaches, we are preparing with a new fleet of gritting vehicles, which will help our winter gritting crew to work more efficiently.
“The team does an amazing job, working around the clock to monitor conditions and treat the highways during the coldest periods of the year.
“Winter services are planned and delivered based on forecasts and established gritting routes, covering more than 650 kilometres of the main road network.”
All the latest details about council services and winter gritting are on Dudley Council’s Weather Watch webpage.
People who live in the borough can request refilling of their local grit bins and report issues via MyDudley .
Residents are also invited to sign up to Weather Watch bulletins for service and highways updates.
