Buckinghamshire's gritters are out and about for a test run as drivers re-familiarise themselves with their regular routes.
This familiar annual event, known as the winter parade, allows teams to check safety conditions along each route, noting and addressing hazards such as overhanging tree branches ahead of their regular runs.
From mid-October to mid-April, the teams are on standby round-the-clock, ready to tackle plunging temperatures when necessary.
They treat more than 870 miles of the county's most frequented roads and priority routes, keeping traffic flowing and roads safer.
Buckinghamshire Highways, since taking over in April, has equipped the drivers with 25 new vehicles, including five newly-named gritters, Rockhopper, Sid, Snow Shark, Hydroblade and Puffin, chosen through recent online polls.
For increased resilience during the winter period, the contract also provides access to additional gritters if needed.
Whilst snow may not be in the offing, an early sighting of Buckinghamshire's gritters is a sure sign that winter is coming, and the county is being prepared for whatever the weather may have in store.
Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Residents love giving our gritters fun names and enjoy spotting them when out and about, but we mustn’t forget they carry out an extremely important job in helping to keep our roads safe over the winter.
"Our expert team of drivers will be out in all weathers and at all times of day and night throughout the next six months and I would like to thank them in advance for their efforts.”
Steven added: “Winter driving can be hazardous at times and even when roads are well gritted, road users should drive according to the road conditions and the weather, taking extra care where necessary.”
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