By Isle of Wight Observer
The Isle of Wight’s gritting lorries were out on the roads for the first time this winter as temperatures fall below freezing.
Island Roads were deploy its fleet from 11pm Thursday night after forecasts suggested road surface temperatures could drop below minus 2C during the early hours. The company said it was the earliest first gritting run for five years.
The outing came shortly after a group of Isle of Wight councillors visited the Island Roads depot, in Newport, to learn more about the winter service that helps keep key routes safe during icy weather.
Ten councillors attended the session, which included a tour of the site and a detailed briefing from service director, Steve Ashman, and environmental services manager, Jez Mew.
Members were given an insight into how weather conditions are monitored, how decisions are made on when to grit, and the logistics involved in maintaining the Island’s winter service.
Following the briefing, councillors were invited to accompany drivers on a short trip in a gritting vehicle, with around three members taking up the opportunity.
The visit was designed to give councillors a better understanding of the service, so they can answer questions from residents during the winter months.
An Island Roads spokesman said: “Road users can be caught out by the first freezing temperatures of the year, so we would urge all road users to take additional care during these freezing conditions.”
Island Roads treats designated priority routes across the Island when freezing conditions are forecast, helping to reduce the risk of ice forming on the road network.
With winter conditions now arriving, motorists are being urged to drive according to the conditions, allow extra time for journeys, and take additional care during periods of frost and ice.
More information on the winter service, including gritting routes, can be found via iw.observer/gritting.
