The fleet of gritters in Somerset is gearing up to hit the road this winter. Picture: Somerset Council

Gritters ready as temperatures drop across Somerset

Paul JonesOctober 25, 20250 Comment0

GRITTERS are gearing up to keep Somerset roads ice-free as temperatures drop across the county.

Somerset Council and winter service partner Kier Transportation Ltd have been working to ensure the 23-strong fleet of gritters is ready to head out when freezing temperatures, or snow, are forecast.

The vehicles spread treated rock salt on roads to help prevent ice and snow build-up, to help keep roads safe and reduce weather-related disruption.

However, not every road in Somerset is gritted, with key routes such as major roads, access to emergency facilities, and connections between major communities prioritised.

Last winter saw the teams going out 1,679 times, covering more than 117,000 miles of Somerset’s roads with more than 6,000 tonnes of salt.

The coldest road surface temperature was logged at -5.3C, on January 3.

Throughout the summer, depots have been prepped and salt barns refilled, with gritters ready to head out when road surface temperatures are predicted to drop below 1C and frost or ice is expected to form.

Gritting bins in towns and villages will also be filled, while farm contractors have been enlisted to help plough roads in the event of snow.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, the council’s lead member for transport and waste services, said: “Our crews and contractor did a great job last winter, covering thousands of miles and helping to keep Somerset as safe as possible. They are the ones who go out whatever the weather, so we all owe them heartfelt thanks.

“As winter approaches we would ask people to please plan ahead and make sure they drive according to conditions to stay safe.

“Ice can still form on roads that have been gritted and extra care needs to be taken in wintry weather. Please be patient on hazardous roads and do not try to overtake gritters while they are treating roads, they’re doing their job to help keep you and other road users safe.

“Rain can wash salt away and in very low temperatures gritting may not be enough to prevent freezing – so drivers are always advised to take extra caution in winter.

“I would also like to thank Somerset’s farmers who are hugely helpful in supporting the council’s winter services, by taking on snow ploughing duties when conditions become challenging.”

Meanwhile, schools are being encouraged to come up with creative names for two new gritters preparing to hit Somerset roads this winter – coming after last year saw Gritty Gritty Bang Bang and Spready Mercury take to the streets.