Wakefield’s gritting team ready for winter

As temperatures drop this week, Wakefield Council’s team of gritters are prepared to keep the district moving this winter.

From November to early April, the team from across the Council will be providing a 24/7 service tackling the icy and snowy conditions. The crew have approximately 4,350 tonnes of grit, and 15 gritter vehicles. The priority routes which will be treated cover over 609 km of our roads.

This year the team will benefit from upgraded weather stations. Which help the grit team to determine where and when to grit, increasing their productivity and efficiency.  

A class roads are prioritised in severe weather, as well as roads providing direct access to hospitals, fire stations, ambulance stations and large industrial estates. Once completed, they’ll also cover B and C class roads, bus routes and steeper paths.

440 grit bins have been restocked across the district ahead of the winter, with some new grit bins added. Find out more about grit bins and gritting routes by visiting: https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/roads/all-you-need-to-know-about-roads/all-you-need-to-know-about-gritting.

Residents are encouraged to become a volunteer Snow Warden. Snow Wardens are trained volunteers who can help their communities prepare for severe weather conditions. They help to clear snow and ice from pavements, drives and streets, helping their neighbours and the more vulnerable in their communities. Snow wardens will be provided with grit, gloves and high vis jacket. Sign up to be a Snow Warden by visiting: https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/environment-and-climate-change/winter-weather/snow-wardens.