SCCC Gritters Prepare for Action, Look out for Deer on Cannock Chase
Written by Hitmix Local News on 15 October 2023
It is all systems go for Staffordshire’s gritters as they are put through their paces ahead of the winter season.
The third week of October traditionally marks the start of Staffordshire County Council’s gritting operations, and Saturday saw the county’s gritters test their routes for the first time this season. Now they are ready to work around the clock to keep Staffordshire’s roads safe, whatever the weather.
Armed with 37 gritters and snowploughs and more than 20,000 tonnes of salt stockpiled, highways crews are equipped to battle any adverse weather conditions coming Staffordshire’s way.
Temperatures and road conditions will be monitored from weather stations across the county and, using this data, Winter Decision Makers will determine when and where to send gritters out.
Typical winter days and nights will see gritters primarily focus on major routes. In prolonged periods of ice and snow, crews will work around the clock to treat other routes across the wider network.
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Efforts to protect deer and motorists have been stepped up on Cannock Chase, as the deer mating season gets under way. This month marks the start of the deer season when the deer are more active, particularly around morning and evening rush hour, creating an increased risk of collision with motorists.
New signs have been put up asking motorists to stick to an advisory 40mph and be more aware of deer on their morning and evening commutes over Cannock Chase. The signs complement the light and sound deer deterrents installed three years ago to help deter deer from crossing the road, and hopefully cut down on collisions.
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