Island Roads gritters will be out on the network this weekend in preparation for the winter season.
Each year Island Roads holds its ‘autumn parade’ which is a chance for drivers to re-acquaint themselves with routes and get used to any vehicle modifications or changes to procedures.
This year will be the first full season that the 6-strong frontline fleet will be in service bearing names chosen by local school children. The names were Snow Wight, (District 1) named by Lanesend Primary, Vanilla Ice (District 2) chosen by Hunnyhill Primary School, Sir Grit-A-Lot (District 3) named by Wootton Primary, Gritty Gritty Bang Bang (District 4) named by The Bay Primary, Sleetwood Mac (District 5) named by St Catherine’s School and Salty McGritface (District 6) named by Freshwater and Yarmouth CE Primary.
The gritters, along with back-up and specialist vehicles are based at Island Roads’ Stag Lane Depot where the annual supply of salt, 1,600 tonnes, is also kept in a covered facility. Last season, 830 tonnes was used on 40 gritting runs.
There has been no change to this year’s gritting routes which can be viewed, along with other information on the Winter Service page here.
While Island Roads is preparing for the winter, there is also activity landowners should now be undertaking in order to help keep the network safe and accessible.
Firstly, they are reminded to check the condition of trees on their property that overhang or could affect the highway network. Such trees are the responsibility of the land/home owner and failure to carry out regular checks on trees near public paths or in areas where public access is available, could leave the landowner liable to compensation should damage or injury be caused by a fallen tree or branch.
More details on the need to ensure trees are well maintained can be viewed here
Landowners also have a legal duty to ensure water courses and ditches on or running through their land are clear and well maintained. Proper maintenances of ditches and watercourses can help reduce the risk or extent of highway flooding. More details can be viewed here.
Members of the public are able to report blocked roadside ditches or watercourses, or trees that look unsafe, via the Island Roads’ helpdesk on 01983 822440 or via this online form.
The article doesn’t mention who is responsible for keeping the highway drains clear, routine maintenance has been reduced now to just two gulley suckers on the Island and it needs members of the public to “call in” to notify island roads that “a drain is blocked”.
Here Here.