Gritters deployed across Norfolk ahead of Met Office warning
Norfolk County Council has deployed a fleet of gritters to clear the roads after the region saw snow in the early hours of the morning. The first fleet of gritters hit the roads at 2pm, and a second fleet is scheduled to be deployed at 3:15am the following day as temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. The council has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice, which is in place from 5pm tomorrow until 11am on Friday. They are urging people to be cautious in the icy conditions and advising drivers to avoid traveling in heavy snow where possible.
The fleet of 58 gritters will treat 2,200 miles of road, including all A and B-class roads in the county and some C-class roads. The council has made significant investments in its winter maintenance program, with £1.3 million spent on 14 new gritting vehicles last winter. This winter, 27 new gritters are joining the fleet at a cost of £3.2 million. The council is also reminding residents to wrap up warm and walk carefully, and to ensure their vehicles are ready for the cold weather.
The council’s proactive approach to winter maintenance demonstrates their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents during periods of inclement weather. By deploying a fleet of gritters and investing in new vehicles, they are working to keep the roads clear and safe for drivers. The yellow weather warning for snow and ice underscores the importance of being cautious in icy conditions and avoiding unnecessary travel during heavy snowfall. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about road conditions and take necessary precautions to stay safe during the winter months.