Photo story: City of York Council’s front line teams are ready for the winter season

City of York Council is ready for the winter season, which falls between November and April.

Here’s how the council is helping residents, visitors and businesses during the winter months:

Gritting:

The council has stockpiled 3,000 tonnes of road salt (as per national reserves allow), which is stored in its salt barn at Hazel Court depot.

On average, crews spread around 6,000 tonnes of road salt per season, over 75-80 road treatments (gritter runs). The council has a full crew of staff for its gritters, for the whole season.

Each season, crews treat eight routes across the highway, covering 226miles (365km) of York’s road network, including 13.6miles (22km) of priority footpaths and off road cycle network, and when resources allow, 36miles (58km) of cycle network.

Follow York Gritter Twitter updates at @YorkGritter for regular updates on snow clearance and gritting.

Salt bins in wards:

Around 180 salt bins, amounting to approximately 36tonnes of salt in total, are located across the city in prominent places such as near slopes or shopping areas. To locate salt bins, or report them empty visit: https://www.york.gov.uk/SaltBins

Cycle/walking network pilot extended:

Following the success of a trial to grit off York’s off road cycle network last winter, the pilot will continue this year.

Small tractors, known as ‘baby gritters’ will be used to grit 11miles (18km) of York’s cycle/walking network to help keep people safer in winter conditions.

Popular cycle routes, including Scarborough Bridge and other off road bridges too, are included.

Off road cycle networks are often difficult to grit or salt because cycles don’t have the same weight or action as a vehicle tyre. Effective gritting works by vehicles driving over the grit with their tyres which beds the grit into the snow and ice.

Whilst cars or heavy vehicles generally follow the same tyre path. Cycle tyres are much thinner and therefore these typical treatments are less effective.

Snow wardens:

The council runs a snow warden scheme, which supports around 200 volunteers and is encouraging more people to join. Volunteers receive training, equipment and insurance cover. They choose where and when to keep pavements free of ice and snow and make a real difference to their neighbourhoods. Find out more at www.york.gov.uk/snowwardens

Cllr Andy D’Agorne, Executive Member for Transport, said: “I’m really pleased to see this pilot is being extended. Off road cycle networks are often difficult to grit or salt because cycles don’t have the same weight or action as a vehicle tyre. Our ‘baby gritters’ provided a great solution which we’re pleased was really effective last. Our frontline staff, and volunteer snow warden’s provide a vital service to residents, visitors and businesses in York, particularly over the winter season, to help keep the city moving.”

For more information about gritting in York, visit: www.york.gov.uk/winter