By Isle of Wight Observer
The familiar rumble of the gritters returned over the weekend as Island Roads held its annual ‘autumn parade,’ preparing the network for the colder months ahead.
The event gives drivers the chance to re-familiarise themselves with routes and operational procedures before the first icy mornings arrive.
This winter marks the first full season for the six-strong gritter fleet operating under their school-chosen names: Snow Wight (Lanesend Primary), Vanilla Ice (Hunnyhill Primary), Sir Grit-A-Lot (Wootton Primary), Gritty Gritty Bang Bang (The Bay Primary), Sleetwood Mac (St Catherine’s School) and Salty McGritface (Freshwater and Yarmouth CE Primary).
Based at the Stag Lane depot, where 1,600 tonnes of salt is stored under cover, the fleet will maintain the same gritting routes as last year. During the 2024–25 season, 830 tonnes of salt were spread across 40 gritting runs.
While Island Roads prepares its vehicles, landowners are being reminded of their own winter responsibilities. Property owners must ensure trees near highways are safe and maintained, as they can be held liable if fallen branches cause damage or injury. They must also keep ditches and watercourses clear to help reduce the risk of flooding. Blocked drains or unsafe trees can be reported to the Island Roads helpdesk, on 822440, while details on gritting routes and landowner guidance are available on the Island Roads website.
Isle of Wight Observer