TfB’s winter service continues throughout Buckinghamshire
| Although this winter things are slightly different, one thing remains the same: our winter service! With the winter period now well underway, Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) gritters are regularly out and about on our 25 pre-selected priority routes to keep them safe and useable, whatever the weather. With 10,500 tonnes of salt stashed away ready to be used between now and April, it’s safe to say that our winter service delivery teams are well prepared! Daily decisions are made about whether or not gritting is required, based on the local weather forecasts and road temperatures, which are always a few degrees cooler than air temperatures. If it looks like the road temperatures are going to fall below 0.5 degrees centigrade, the gritters will be sent out to salt the roads and keep the travelling public safe. Despite gritting taking place when the temperatures drop, there is never any guarantee that the roads will remain clear of ice and snow. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as needing to wait for rain to clear before gritting, as it cannot be applied in wet weather, or if temperatures drop severely, causing the salt to become less effective. This year, in addition to the usual routes, we will also be gritting at Covid Test Centre locations, as well as installing grit bins at the test and vaccine centres, ensuring that everybody who needs to access them can do so safely during the winter months. TfB shares daily gritting updates on social media, accompanied with adorable animal photos that are sure to make you smile! Make sure you follow them @tfbalerts – or for more serious updates, minus the animal photos, follow @twitgritter. Buckinghamshire Council Transport Cabinet Member, Nick Naylor, said: “It’s during the winter service that TfB really shine. It’s been an odd year for everyone, but I am proud of the work that has continued regardless from TfB. Whilst many of us will be enjoying Christmas festivities as best we can during these testing times, please spare a thought for our winter crews who will be on call 24/7 – even over Christmas – keeping the roads clear and serviceable, not just for us, but for key workers too. If you see them out and about, be sure to give them a wave!” |