Grit Happens: Somerset Invests £2.3m in New Fleet to Keep Roads Moving

Somerset Council is gearing up for future winters with a £2.3 million investment in new gritting lorries, ensuring the county’s roads stay safe when temperatures drop.

The authority has agreed a deal with Romaquip to supply 14 new gritters over the next four years, with an option to purchase up to five additional vehicles if needed.

Replacing an ageing fleet

The move comes as much of Somerset’s existing fleet begins to show its age. Of the current 23 gritters, many are now more than a decade old, with others also showing signs of wear and tear from years of exposure to harsh winter conditions.

Council officials say the combination of abrasive salt and heavy use has led to increasing maintenance demands, with some vehicles requiring more frequent repairs and spending more time off the road.

Keeping roads safe

Jeremy Fry, the council’s infrastructure and transport officer, highlighted the importance of maintaining a reliable fleet to meet legal obligations.

He noted that ageing vehicles pose a growing risk to service delivery, particularly during severe weather when gritters are most needed. The new investment is intended to reduce downtime, improve efficiency and ensure roads remain safe and passable.

A costly but necessary upgrade

Somerset currently spends around £200,000 a year maintaining its gritting fleet. By replacing older vehicles, the council hopes to reduce long-term costs while improving resilience during winter operations.

Two newer gritters, introduced last year and famously named “Basil Salty” and “Gritney Spears” through a school competition, will now be joined by a new generation of vehicles ready to take on the cold.

With winter never too far away, Somerset is making sure it’s fully prepared—because when it comes to icy roads, having the right kit really does make all the difference.