A NEW fleet of gritters have hit the road as part of preparations to keep roads clear this winter.
Staffordshire County Council has taken delivery of 11 new vehicles to replace older ones at depots in Lichfield and Cannock.
They include technology to help improve accuracy when spreading, as well as allowing them to be able to carry more salt.
This month sees the official start of winter for gritters, with teams using data from weather stations across the county to decide where and when to deploy the vehicles.
Cllr Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council's cabinet member for strategic highways, said:
"Our crews gather together at the beginning of October each year to take part in our vital winter preparations. They make sure the vehicles are in great condition, and familiarise themselves with their routes ahead of the bad weather.
"With 11 new gritters to work with this year, it makes sense for crews to familiarise themselves with them as early as possible.
"Crews have been checking that everything is in full working order, which in turn means our teams are confident, the routes are clear and our systems are ready to respond when the weather turns.
"We know how important it is to keep Staffordshire moving during the winter months – and our crews are primed and ready to do their bit."
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