Library image by Susan Scott SCOPIX
Kent County Council (KCC) is ready to face the upcoming winter season, ensuring the safety of Kent’s roads for motorists and pedestrians alike. The council has stockpiled a substantial amount of salt – 23,000 tonnes in total – to treat icy roads during freezing temperatures.
KCC’s winter teams have been training to cover over 1,500 miles of roads across the county, ensuring they are prepared to respond promptly to icy conditions. Additionally, over 3,000 salt bins have been filled in areas not covered by gritting crews, allowing residents to take action to keep their neighbourhoods safe during cold snaps.
Residents can expect to see gritters on the roads when temperatures are forecast to drop below zero degrees Celsius. However, KCC warns that during extreme cold, below -6°C, the effectiveness of salt may be reduced, and roads could still become icy even after gritting.
Last winter, KCC crews were called out 40 times to treat icy roads, using 6,694 tonnes of salt. In addition to gritting, the council is also focusing on improving road drainage to prevent hazardous conditions caused by standing water and flooding.