Posted on 30th Nov
Each year Nottinghamshire County Council tells residents that it is well stocked and ready for winter weather to challenge its roads network – and this year is no different.
Except this year the council is not just referring to the gritting teams being prepared. Winter will also mark a busy period for drainage, forestry, flooding and emergency response teams, all working to keep road users safe and our highways moving, whatever the weather.
Gritting teams and their fleet of 30 gritters are on full-time standby across four depots, meaning they could be called out at any time, day or night.
For drainage teams, heavy rain, storms and flooding can lead to a spike in demand for their services, and when high winds lead to fallen trees, it is the forestry team that will be called out.
As for the emergency response team, their 24/7, 365 days-a-year role can be easily impacted by adverse weather and could see them dealing with anything from managing road closures to delivering sandbags and putting out flood boards.
Coun John Cottee, chairman of the Communities and Place Committee, said: “Most people may think of gritting when we talk about our winter preparations, however staff across the council work all year round to prepare for the colder months.
“From this Sunday, our gritting teams will be on full-time standby, and this means that while we are at home with our families, they could be out on the county’s roads to keep us safe.
“Of course, winter weather is more than just snow and ice, with winter storms, heavy rainfall and strong winds far more likely at this time of year.
“Our forestry, drainage and emergency response teams could be called out to fallen trees, blocked drains or incidents on the highway at any time of the year, but we want to recognise that alongside our dedicated gritting teams, the winter period will also mark a busy few months for them.
“When incidents occur due to adverse weather, our teams will deal with the issue as quickly and as safely as possible, so whether you see our gritters out and about or you are stuck in traffic due to a fallen tree, we ask that you remember that our staff are giving their all to keep you and your loved ones safe.”
Find out more about our winter preparations by visiting https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-environment/emergencies-and-disruption/winter-weather
