With criticism being directed at the council about lack of flood defences in the north, this just in from the council. Ed
With the temperatures getting ever colder, Isle of Wight Council is assuring residents it has plenty of salt stocks for treating the roads during freezing temperatures.
Although it had enough salt stocks during the winter period last year, the council has increased its starting stock ahead of this year by an extra 50% to over 1200 tonnes.
New vehicles this year
Brand new gritting vehicles – replacing the ones that were used last year – will also be on duty this year. They too feature state of the art technology including a computer system that programmes the amount of salt being used.
The council is also reminding drivers that the salting routes have been revised this year. In response to the government’s drive to reduce national salt usage, gritting priorities have been changed.
Major routes take priority
The local authority will routinely treat the Island’s more important routes. A number of other roads, such as minor routes, will not be treated including some that may have been routinely gritted in the past.
A full list of gritting routes can be found on the council’s website.
Drivers are advised to always take extra care in cold conditions on the roads, and to ensure their vehicles are clear of ice and snow before setting off on a journey.
Image: © Used with the kind permission of Isle of Wight Council
