36 brand new state of the art gritting vehicles, 45,000 tonnes of salt and 17 depots based at strategic points across the region are among the tools National Highways will utilise this winter to help keep drivers across Sussex on the move during the colder months.
With the total fleet of gritters in the South East now standing at 77 vehicles, this puts National Highways in the region in a good position to meet any challenges that this winter throws head on.
The fleet of new vehicles are a part of a roll out of 120 new state of the art gritters across the country, with a further 132 to be delivered for winter 2022/23. The new vehicles are equipped with technology which allows gritting routes to be uploaded directly into the vehicle, helping advise drivers where to go, which lanes to treat and drive in but also specific information to consider such as bridges, or other road features.
National Highways Acting Executive Director of Operations, Duncan Smith said:
“The new vehicles are an impressive sight and this year’s roll out once again demonstrates our commitment to keeping drivers safe throughout the winter months.
“They include state of the art technology allowing us to treat the roads up to a maximum of 50mph, 10mph faster than earlier models. We want everyone to travel safely on our roads and ask that drivers take extra care near gritters, leave a safe distance, overtake gritters carefully when it is safe to do so and at a reduced speed.
“When the wintry weather arrives our winter teams across the country will be ready to work around the clock to keep traffic moving.”
Last year National Highways worked round the clock to keep the roads in the South East clear of winter hazards.
To help keep drivers on the move this winter, National Highways has 1,300 specially trained gritter drivers and 535 gritters available which have all gone through a summer service.
When severe weather is forecast drivers should follow this advice:
- In snow and ice, drivers should stick to the main roads where they can and only travel if necessary - drivers are also encouraged to make sure they have a snow kit in their vehicle, including an ice scraper and de-icer, warm clothes and blankets and sunglasses to cope with the low winter sun.
- In high winds, there’s a particular risk to lorries, caravans and motorbikes, so drivers should slow down and avoid using exposed sections of road if possible.
- In heavy rain, drivers should keep well back from the vehicle in front, gradually ease off the accelerator if the steering becomes unresponsive, and slow down if the rain and spray from vehicles makes it difficult to see and be seen.
- In fog, drivers should switch on their fog lights and not use lights on full beam as the fog will reflect the light back. If you really cannot see, you should consider finding a safe place to stop until it is safe to continue.
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