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National lorry driver shortage shouldn’t affect road gritting
12/11/2021
Awareness of driver shortage has made drivers feel more valued
Is the national shortage of lorry drivers likely to affect the gritting of Oxfordshire’s roads this winter? The answer is “no” according to Oxfordshire County Council, where a full complement of more than 50 drivers are ready to treat the roads whenever the freezing weather strikes.
The gritting team includes back-up crews and an extra 15 drivers who were trained last year as a precaution against the effects the pandemic might have on the workforce. At least four more drivers have joined the ranks this winter.
The county’s gritter lorries hit the roads locally for the first time this winter last Thursday evening (November 4) as road temperatures fell below freezing.
Paul Wilson, who manages the winter operation, said: “We are committed to keeping our network of major roads free from ice and snow to minimise the risk of accidents and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. Salting – also known as gritting (even though it is actually salt that we use) – helps to achieve this aim.
“We use a number of methods to decide when and where to salt – a mixture of technology and experience. We receive regular weather forecasts for conditions on Oxfordshire’s roads, use a computerised ice prediction system to compare forecast conditions against actual road temperatures, monitor conditions through the night, and utilise the skills of experienced staff to judge when to best carry out precautionary gritting.
“However, although we make great efforts to keep roads clear in winter, drivers must never assume that a road will be free from ice and should adjust their driving to suit the conditions. If you do find yourself behind one of our gritter lorries, which are restricted to 30mph when they are carrying out their work, please be patient and considerate – remember that they are there to keep you safe.”
Oxfordshire County Council has responsibility for gritting all our local roads, apart from the M40 and A43 which are covered by National Highways.
North Aston resident Richard Boss, 61, is in his 39th and potentially final year as a gritter driver, and has already been out in his lorry once this year. He said the nationwide shortage of HGV drivers has made him and his colleagues feel more appreciated.
He said: “Yes, it has made people value us more for what we do. I was due to finish last year but they persuaded me to do one more year because of the situation…although they will probably ask me again next Christmas too!”
The gritting crews are based at three depots, our nearest one being just off the Oxford road north of Deddington.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam