Wakefield Council’s gritting team ready for the winter

The council says it has more than 6,500 tonnes of grit in stock – enough to keep the council’s priority routes clear for more than 12 days of continuous snowfall.

The priority routes are made up of A and B roads, steep hills and roads leading to hospitals or schools, routes which account for 42 per cent of the district’s roads.

Coun David Dagger, cabinet member for transport and highways, said: “Our district has almost 1,000 miles of roads so when the worst weather hits we have to prioritise our resources on the main routes and key pedestrian areas.

“The priority routes are used by more than 90 per cent of all traffic. This is where we concentrate our gritting operation, then if reserves allow we will try to move onto other routes.

“If severe weather hits, our aim is to keep the main roads moving and ensure essential services stay open.”

After a mild start to winter, the council has so far only carried out a precautionary grit across the area once and the Met Office has not forecast any snow in the run-up to Christmas.

But Coun Dagger said the council was ready for any wintry weather should there be a frost, ice or snowfall and the key to keeping the district moving will be volunteers.

He added: “We appreciate the efforts of everyone who can play a part and help out when conditions are treacherous by clearing away snow and ice. Thank you to everyone who has helped us in previous years.

“If winter weather hits us again we ask people to once more do their bit.”

For more information, visit www.wakefield.gov.uk