10,000 tonnes of rock salt, 37 gritters and two quad bikes: How Cambridgeshire is preparing for winter

Ten thousand tonnes of rock salt has been stockpiled and a fleet of 37 gritters and two quad bikes are on standby in preparation for winter.

Cambridgeshire County Council’s work to keep the roads, paths and cycleways safe in the colder months is well advanced, with drivers having completed the dry runs they use to refamiliarise themselves with gritting routes.

Crews will be on standby at the council’s four winter service depots at Huntingdon, March, Whittlesford and Witchford 24 hours a day, seven days a week, between now and April 2025, while the council’s two quad bikes will be used to treat ,more than 50km of paths and cycleways in Cambridge. A dedicated team of around 70 volunteers salt the pavements.

Cllr Alex Beckett, chair of the highways and transport committee, said: “Our gritters provide a crucial service by helping keep Cambridgeshire’s main travel routes safe throughout the winter months, covering nearly half of the county’s highways network.

“Last year our crews went out 57 times, with many of them working throughout the night and early hours of the morning gritting the main roads, paths and cycleways. We also have a fantastic network of volunteers who help keep our paths and pavements safe for those on foot.

“It’s not just about gritting of course. The council maintains over 108,000 drains across the county, and we have been working hard to clear the drains and repair them where necessary before winter sets in.”

The council has urged people to wear reflective clothing, check their cycle lights and brakes on their vehicle and ensure their vehicle or bike is fully serviced.

Cllr Neil Shailer, vice-chair of the highways and transport committee, added: “You can become a gritter volunteer and help grit paths and driveways in your area, and make sure your vehicle or bike is fully serviced and ready before you set off.

“Even when paths and main roads have been gritted, they might still be icy so always be careful. If the roads are flooded, never drive through standing water.”

To volunteer, visit https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/residents/travel-roads-and-parking/roads-and-pathways/gritting-roads-cycleways-and-paths/help-with-gritting-and-clearing-snow.