Why it matters: The new fleet replaces the existing gritters and features state-of-the-art technology, including digital operating systems and the latest route map planning software.
The big picture: Despite last winter being relatively mild, Suffolk Highways still gritted over 3,200 miles of road—equivalent to the distance from London to Dubai—on 62 separate occasions when temperatures were forecast to drop below 1C.
Among the creative names chosen by Suffolk's young people were:
Kieran McSpreader
Spread Sheeran
Lizzie Gritzzini
Grit Rhys Jones
Gritney Houston
Spready Mercury
Keanu Freeze
Gritty McGrit Face
Albert Brinestein
Morgan Freezeman
What they're saying: "I am delighted that Suffolk Highways has welcomed 38 state-of-the-art gritters to its fleet, with the names chosen by our county's young people likely to raise a smile when they are spotted out and about this winter," said Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council's cabinet member for Ipswich, operational highways and flooding.
What's next: While recent weather has been warm, residents may spot the new gritters conducting test runs in the coming days.
