Suffolk's new eco-friendly gritting fleet ready for action
Suffolk County Council has deployed 36 new gritters that run on environmentally friendly fuel as temperatures are set to drop this week. The vehicles will treat over 2,102 miles of the county's roads this winter season.
Why it matters: The new fleet represents a significant investment in both road safety and environmental protection for Suffolk residents.
The big picture: Last winter, Suffolk's gritting teams:
- Used 7,822 tonnes of salt
- Treated nearly 200,000km of roads
- Covered enough distance to circle the Earth five times
Key details:
- The fleet uses hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel, reducing CO2 emissions by 90%
- Two spare vehicles are available if needed
- The council currently has 21,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled
Going deeper: The gritting operation covers two priority levels:
- Priority 1: 1,259 miles including A and B roads, routes to hospitals, fire stations and rail stations
- Priority 2: 843 miles covering regular bus routes, village access roads and school routes
What they're saying: Suffolk residents are being asked to park considerately to allow gritters access. "If we can't fit, we can't grit," the council warns.
The bottom line: While roads are treated, drivers are reminded they may not be completely risk-free and should always drive according to conditions.
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