| Gritting lorries, their names and their drivers Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:02, 20th November 2025 |     |
From the BBC:
A gritting lorry has blocked a road after overturning while heading out ahead of expected wintry weather conditions.
The crash happened on the A382 near Moretonhampstead and Lustleigh on Dartmoor at about 15:20 GMT with a road closure set up while emergency services deal with the incident.
Devon and Cornwall Police said the driver of the lorry is believed to have sustained minor injuries and motorists have been asked to avoid the area.
Councils across Devon and Cornwall have sent gritters out to prepare roads for snow and ice which have been forecast and led to a Met Office weather warning which is active until 23:59 on Thursday.
(BBC article continues)
| Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 Posted by John D at 16:09, 31st December 2025 | |
Just read an interesting article on road salt, starts to lose effectiveness below about -8c and if it gets really cold it is almost useless.
Apparently snow will quite happily settle on the salt, it needs weight of vehicles to turn water into brine
The weather forecast for my area (West Wiltshire) is showing down to -6c on Saturday night. And normally there are local areas that get slightly lower. So on cusp of where a salted road can ice up.
Might have to borrow my daughters car (we have fitted it with all season tyres with 3PMSF three peak mountain snowflake symbol). Whereas mine has the summer tyres it came with, which go really hard when cold. Not sure I want to be trying to use a damp salted motorway at 70mph with hard (not grippy) tyres.
| Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:04, 2nd January 2026 | |
Another update, from the BBC:
Weather warnings extended as ice and snow blanket parts of UK
Snow and ice blanketing the UK could last into the weekend and beyond as the Met Office extends weather warnings.
The most severe conditions will be seen in Scotland, where amber snow warnings came into effect from midday Friday. Yellow snow and ice warnings are in place elsewhere until Monday.
Up to 40cm (15in) of snow could hit parts of Scotland on Friday, while the Met Office predicts as much as 5cm in areas across England and Wales.
Delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, disruption on the roads and power cuts are all expected as a result of the wintry conditions, the weather service added.
(BBC article continues)
Snow and ice blanketing the UK could last into the weekend and beyond as the Met Office extends weather warnings.
The most severe conditions will be seen in Scotland, where amber snow warnings came into effect from midday Friday. Yellow snow and ice warnings are in place elsewhere until Monday.
Up to 40cm (15in) of snow could hit parts of Scotland on Friday, while the Met Office predicts as much as 5cm in areas across England and Wales.
Delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, disruption on the roads and power cuts are all expected as a result of the wintry conditions, the weather service added.
(BBC article continues)
I chose to quote just the headlines from that latest BBC weather news item: please click on the BBC link to read more.
If you are affected by the rather inclement weather, and choose to stay at home rather than venturing out, you may find some idle amusement in tracking the many gritter lorries in Scotland.
No, really: they all have some rather apt names, and you can see where each of them is, realtime, at https://www.traffic.gov.scot/gritter-tracker .
Well, it kept me quiet for a few minutes.
| Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 Posted by stuving at 20:03, 2nd January 2026 | |
If you are affected by the rather inclement weather, and choose to stay at home rather than venturing out, you may find some idle amusement in tracking the many gritter lorries in Scotland.
No, really: they all have some rather apt names, and you can see where each of them is, realtime, at https://www.traffic.gov.scot/gritter-tracker .
Well, it kept me quiet for a few minutes.
No, really: they all have some rather apt names, and you can see where each of them is, realtime, at https://www.traffic.gov.scot/gritter-tracker .
Well, it kept me quiet for a few minutes.
That's not all the gritters in Scotland - just the ones doing the trunk network, operated by Transport Scotland. There are also all the local authorities' ones, which I guess will be more numerous (but may lack this kind of official fan club).
| Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 Posted by John D at 21:13, 2nd January 2026 | |
Wiltshire has named its 18 Gritters too
Grit Me Baby One More Time
Gritty Gritty Bang Bang
Sir David Attenbrrrr
Gritty Rascal
Buzz Saltyear
Licensed to Grit
Moonraker
Snowood House
Wiltshire Born and Spread
Saul T Roads
Ready Spready Go
Thaw Enforcement
Grit Happens
Grittersaurus
Anneka Ice
Arnold Schwarzegritter
Usain Salt
Spready Mercury
| Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 10:19, 3rd January 2026 | |
Another update, from the BBC:
Trains cancelled and roads treacherous as heavy snow hits Scotland
This snow plough got stuck on a hill outside Beauly in the Highlands
Mary McCool
BBC Scotland
1 January 2026
Updated 2 January 2026
Trains have been cancelled and driving conditions have turned treacherous as heavy snow blankets several parts of northern and central Scotland.
Amber snow warnings are in force until 12:00 on Saturday in the north east, Highland, Perth and Kinross and Angus - where up to 20cm (7.9ins) of snow at low levels and blizzard conditions have been forecast.
Shetland is also covered by an amber alert for a 12-hour period until midday on Saturday.
ScotRail has been unable to run trains to or from Thurso due to heavy snow and could not provide replacement buses due to the road conditions.
Some vehicles, including campervans and a snow plough, have been getting stuck in the snow and ice.
Ferry services have also been disrupted by high winds.
A less severe yellow snow and ice warning is already in place for most areas north of Dundee, lasting until 12:00 on Monday.
Forecasters said some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel were likely, as are power cuts and disruption on the roads.
(BBC article continues)
This snow plough got stuck on a hill outside Beauly in the Highlands
Mary McCool
BBC Scotland
1 January 2026
Updated 2 January 2026
Trains have been cancelled and driving conditions have turned treacherous as heavy snow blankets several parts of northern and central Scotland.
Amber snow warnings are in force until 12:00 on Saturday in the north east, Highland, Perth and Kinross and Angus - where up to 20cm (7.9ins) of snow at low levels and blizzard conditions have been forecast.
Shetland is also covered by an amber alert for a 12-hour period until midday on Saturday.
ScotRail has been unable to run trains to or from Thurso due to heavy snow and could not provide replacement buses due to the road conditions.
Some vehicles, including campervans and a snow plough, have been getting stuck in the snow and ice.
Ferry services have also been disrupted by high winds.
A less severe yellow snow and ice warning is already in place for most areas north of Dundee, lasting until 12:00 on Monday.
Forecasters said some delays and cancellations to rail and air travel were likely, as are power cuts and disruption on the roads.
(BBC article continues)
| Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:25, 5th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Council shares 'gritting mythbuster' after confusion
A council has shared a "gritting mythbuster" after many motorists complained that some roads appeared to have not been prepared for snow and ice.
Liverpool City Council has been accused of failing to grit some main roads in time for the recent icy blast. However, in a statement, the authority said 372 miles (600 km) of roads had indeed been gritted over the past two days - but shared a list of reasons for some of the potential confusion.
It also posted details of common myths about gritting and how it actually works on X and said it would continue over the coming days. "Once grit salt is laid on the road, it requires the movement of traffic to help work it into the ice," the council said. "When there are low traffic levels, roads can remain icy for some time."
The council said common misbeliefs included that adding salt to the road means the ice instantly melts. It explained how gritting is only the start of the de-icing process and that traffic moving over it is needed to make help clear the snow and ice.
It said another myth was that salt on the road stops new ice forming. The council said salt lowers the freezing point of water and does help prevent ice from forming on roads when temperatures drop below 0°C. However, it loses its effectiveness at -5°C and stops working at -10°C.
Neighbouring Sefton Council had also faced accusations of not gritting but confirmed it had gritted about 290 miles (470 km) of roads across the area. A spokesman echoed the Liverpool advice and explained how gritters are deployed when the road surface temperature drops below 0°C. "We have been out gritting on a number of occasions over the weekend, including three times on Sunday, and have spread over 150 tonnes of grit. We have also been out again today," he said.
"Gritting helps prevents the formation of ice at 0°C, but doesn't prevent snow from settling on the road, and during extended periods of sub-zero temperatures and snowfall the effectiveness of the grit can be diminished. Last night some Sefton roads reached as low as minus 7°C, below the temperature at which grit works best, which is down to minus 5°C." He added that weather conditions were being monitored "24 hours a day, seven days a week" as part of its Winter Maintenance Policy.
Liverpool City Council also responded to claims some community grit bins in the city had been empty. Community grit bins are large yellow containers on public roads and footpaths which are provided to help local people keep public areas safe from ice and snow.
"There are 191 grit bins across the city, which are refilled twice over winter," it said. "If they run out of grit salt between refills, people can report it to us, and we will refill them as soon as possible. This should only be used for pavements and other public footways."
The authority said crews also grit pedestrian parts of the city centre and hand grit key footpaths.
A council has shared a "gritting mythbuster" after many motorists complained that some roads appeared to have not been prepared for snow and ice.
Liverpool City Council has been accused of failing to grit some main roads in time for the recent icy blast. However, in a statement, the authority said 372 miles (600 km) of roads had indeed been gritted over the past two days - but shared a list of reasons for some of the potential confusion.
It also posted details of common myths about gritting and how it actually works on X and said it would continue over the coming days. "Once grit salt is laid on the road, it requires the movement of traffic to help work it into the ice," the council said. "When there are low traffic levels, roads can remain icy for some time."
The council said common misbeliefs included that adding salt to the road means the ice instantly melts. It explained how gritting is only the start of the de-icing process and that traffic moving over it is needed to make help clear the snow and ice.
It said another myth was that salt on the road stops new ice forming. The council said salt lowers the freezing point of water and does help prevent ice from forming on roads when temperatures drop below 0°C. However, it loses its effectiveness at -5°C and stops working at -10°C.
Neighbouring Sefton Council had also faced accusations of not gritting but confirmed it had gritted about 290 miles (470 km) of roads across the area. A spokesman echoed the Liverpool advice and explained how gritters are deployed when the road surface temperature drops below 0°C. "We have been out gritting on a number of occasions over the weekend, including three times on Sunday, and have spread over 150 tonnes of grit. We have also been out again today," he said.
"Gritting helps prevents the formation of ice at 0°C, but doesn't prevent snow from settling on the road, and during extended periods of sub-zero temperatures and snowfall the effectiveness of the grit can be diminished. Last night some Sefton roads reached as low as minus 7°C, below the temperature at which grit works best, which is down to minus 5°C." He added that weather conditions were being monitored "24 hours a day, seven days a week" as part of its Winter Maintenance Policy.
Liverpool City Council also responded to claims some community grit bins in the city had been empty. Community grit bins are large yellow containers on public roads and footpaths which are provided to help local people keep public areas safe from ice and snow.
"There are 191 grit bins across the city, which are refilled twice over winter," it said. "If they run out of grit salt between refills, people can report it to us, and we will refill them as soon as possible. This should only be used for pavements and other public footways."
The authority said crews also grit pedestrian parts of the city centre and hand grit key footpaths.
| Weather updates from across the UK and implications for infrastructure - 2026 Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 21:42, 8th January 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Huddersfield gritting lorry toppled amid 'hazardous' conditions
A gritting lorry overturned on a patch of icy West Yorkshire moorland road as temperatures across the county dipped below freezing.
The distinctive vehicle came off the road and ended up on its side with its nose in a ditch in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, earlier.
Kirklees Council confirmed the driver was not injured and the vehicle had been recovered and "returned to service".
A spokesperson added: "The incident highlights the challenging and often hazardous conditions our teams are working in to keep roads safe and accessible."
Councillor Tyler Hawkins, from the authority's Highways department, also said: "Although gritting vehicles are designed for winter conditions, severe weather, particularly black ice, can make some routes difficult to navigate. The safety of our staff and the public remain our top priority, but conditions can still be unpredictable." He urged people to take greater care on the roads as the treacherous conditions "could worsen" in the coming weeks.
There are currently a number of severe weather warnings throughout the UK ahead of Storm Goretti, which is expected to bring heavy snowfall to parts of the country, including Yorkshire.
A gritting lorry overturned on a patch of icy West Yorkshire moorland road as temperatures across the county dipped below freezing.
The distinctive vehicle came off the road and ended up on its side with its nose in a ditch in Slaithwaite, near Huddersfield, earlier.
Kirklees Council confirmed the driver was not injured and the vehicle had been recovered and "returned to service".
A spokesperson added: "The incident highlights the challenging and often hazardous conditions our teams are working in to keep roads safe and accessible."
Councillor Tyler Hawkins, from the authority's Highways department, also said: "Although gritting vehicles are designed for winter conditions, severe weather, particularly black ice, can make some routes difficult to navigate. The safety of our staff and the public remain our top priority, but conditions can still be unpredictable." He urged people to take greater care on the roads as the treacherous conditions "could worsen" in the coming weeks.
There are currently a number of severe weather warnings throughout the UK ahead of Storm Goretti, which is expected to bring heavy snowfall to parts of the country, including Yorkshire.
| County Durham gritter driver's 40 years of being a 'winter hero' Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 19:47, 21st February 2026 | |
From the BBC:
Gritter driver's 40 years of being a 'winter hero'
Gary Lawson's bosses said he had rescued people, livestock and emergency vehicles in 40 years
Missed Christmasses and abandoned shopping are all part of the job, a man who has driven gritters for 40 years has said.
Gary Lawson, from Crook, said he had "seen it all" when working on the roads with Durham County Council since 1986, but said he went home "knowing my friends and family are safe".
The 62-year-old has been presented with an award for his dedication by gritter manufacturer Econ, who said Lawson had "never been late in 40 years of service and had rescued people, livestock and emergency vehicles in freezing temperatures".
He said: "When the weather turns, it's about getting to the yard as quickly as you can." He added "many a Christmas" had been put on hold, along with him being known for abandoning his grocery shopping to get to work.
Lawson was nominated by four of his managers to win the award on Tuesday for his "unrivalled knowledge of the vehicles and problem-solving abilities". The ceremony heard how he could "manoeuvre his gritter in ways others would never attempt".
Lawson said: "There's been many a Christmas morning when my wife, son and now grandchildren have held off opening presents until I get back from work. It's not easy, but my family is incredibly supportive of my job and understand that it's something I've just got to do."
Gary Lawson has rescued people, livestock and emergency vehicles in freezing temperatures
Lawson also recalled a call-out on April Fool's Day, with a request to go and rescue three cars on the Teesdale border. "Obviously, I thought he was joking but sure enough, 100m up, the weather changed and I ended up with a cab full of stranded drivers and passengers. Honestly, I've seen it all and sometimes, our experiences make Ice Road Truckers look like toddlers."
Econ Engineering said it wanted to celebrate "winter heroes", adding drivers had to get up in the middle of the night and had an "incredible amount of skill to handle the vehicles, often in dangerous conditions".
Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ, said Lawson's "kindness, commitment and dedication to his community and our industry really came across".
Gary Lawson's bosses said he had rescued people, livestock and emergency vehicles in 40 years
Missed Christmasses and abandoned shopping are all part of the job, a man who has driven gritters for 40 years has said.
Gary Lawson, from Crook, said he had "seen it all" when working on the roads with Durham County Council since 1986, but said he went home "knowing my friends and family are safe".
The 62-year-old has been presented with an award for his dedication by gritter manufacturer Econ, who said Lawson had "never been late in 40 years of service and had rescued people, livestock and emergency vehicles in freezing temperatures".
He said: "When the weather turns, it's about getting to the yard as quickly as you can." He added "many a Christmas" had been put on hold, along with him being known for abandoning his grocery shopping to get to work.
Lawson was nominated by four of his managers to win the award on Tuesday for his "unrivalled knowledge of the vehicles and problem-solving abilities". The ceremony heard how he could "manoeuvre his gritter in ways others would never attempt".
Lawson said: "There's been many a Christmas morning when my wife, son and now grandchildren have held off opening presents until I get back from work. It's not easy, but my family is incredibly supportive of my job and understand that it's something I've just got to do."
Gary Lawson has rescued people, livestock and emergency vehicles in freezing temperatures
Lawson also recalled a call-out on April Fool's Day, with a request to go and rescue three cars on the Teesdale border. "Obviously, I thought he was joking but sure enough, 100m up, the weather changed and I ended up with a cab full of stranded drivers and passengers. Honestly, I've seen it all and sometimes, our experiences make Ice Road Truckers look like toddlers."
Econ Engineering said it wanted to celebrate "winter heroes", adding drivers had to get up in the middle of the night and had an "incredible amount of skill to handle the vehicles, often in dangerous conditions".
Jonathan Lupton, managing director at Econ, said Lawson's "kindness, commitment and dedication to his community and our industry really came across".
| Re: Gritting lorries, their names and their drivers Posted by Chris from Nailsea at 14:40, 22nd February 2026 | |
Topics and posts relating specifically to this subject have now been merged here, for continuity and ease of future reference.
