Two military specification Landrover Defenders have joined the Island Roads vehicle fleet to assist in our communities during the winter period.
Both vehicles have demountable snow ploughs and will be able to get out to hard-to-reach communities, and particularly vulnerable residents, quickly and easily during weather emergencies.
Not only can they be called upon to treat remote roads during prolonged periods of snow, they are also equipped with a winch so will be a real asset during stormy conditions when they can clear fallen trees or assist stranded vehicles in flooded areas.
Paul Herbert, Island Roads Service Director said:
“Island Roads has invested in the additional equipment to enable greater resilience during weather emergencies and or road traffic incidents. We will work closely with our emergency response partners and with communities themselves to identify what their local priorities may be during extreme weather conditions. These purpose built vehicles will then be deployed to those most in need and will make a real difference in our communities.”
Marc Griffin, Isle of Wight Council Highways PFI Contract Manager, said:
“The Isle of Wight Council prioritises the key routes for Island Roads to treat as it is not practical or economical to salt every road. However, these vehicles will help to prevent rural communities and those people most at risk becoming isolated during prolonged bad weather.”
The vehicles were recently demonstrated to IW Councillor Jon Gilbey, Cabinet Member for the Highways PFI.
Councillor Gilbey added:
“The extra resilience these vehicles offer will help to provide reassurance to residents across the Island, particularly those living in more remote areas that there are resources in place to minimise the risk of communities becoming disconnected during extreme weather conditions.”
