Somerset Council is set to invest up to £2.3 million in purchasing 14 new gritter lorries in preparation for the upcoming winter season. This investment is aimed at maintaining safe and clear major transport routes across the county during icy and snowy conditions.
Currently, the council operates a fleet of 23 dedicated gritters that work through winter to keep the roads passable. Two new gritters were introduced last winter, affectionately named Basil Salty and Gritney Spears, following a naming competition involving local schools such as South Somerset Partnership School and Bucklers Mead Academy in Yeovil.
However, ten of the current vehicles are nearing the end of their service life. The fleet has suffered significant wear and tear, especially from the abrasive effects of salt used in gritting operations, resulting in increased maintenance costs. To address this, Somerset Council has contracted Romaquip to supply 14 replacement gritters, with an option to extend the order by five more vehicles if needed.
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Jeremy Fry, the council’s infrastructure and transport officer, outlined the challenges in a report: “Nine of the gritters are over 10 years old, and another nine are between five and ten years old. The corrosive effects of salting cause accelerated deterioration, forcing higher maintenance demands. Aging vehicles risk service disruptions due to time out for repairs.”
The new vehicles will ensure the council continues to uphold its statutory obligations under the Highways Act 1980, which mandates keeping highways safe and accessible during adverse weather.
Currently, Somerset Council spends approximately £200,000 annually on maintaining its winter vehicle fleet. The planned capital programme commits £2.3 million over the next four years for the acquisition of new gritters. The contract includes an option for additional purchases in the third year, depending on future funding availability.
Mr. Fry emphasized that leasing vehicles annually is not a viable alternative due to budget constraints. “Leasing would place additional pressure on our revenue budget, which does not cover such costs. Hiring just seven vehicles for the coming winter could cost the council over £218,000, making ownership a more cost-effective solution.”
While the council has not yet stated the exact timeline for bringing the new gritters into service, this investment marks a proactive step in maintaining road safety throughout Somerset winters.