Nine new low-emission gritting lorries are set to keep roads safe and traffic moving across Bath and North East Somerset during freezing weather, with investment from the Council.

Bath & North East Somerset Council has taken delivery of the state-of-the art vehicles, which are fitted with the latest Euro VI OBD-D rated engines.

The vehicles have improved safety measures and are ‘all-wheel drive’, as well as having a GPS controlled automatic spreading system.

All nine gritters have sophisticated mapping software – enabling the driver to cover any route in any vehicle, maximising the council’s flexibility to respond to bad weather.

On board weighing means the gritters can measure and carry the optimum amount of road salt required to be spread for forecast conditions which saves time, fuel and reduces emissions. And their low level salt spreaders will ensure salt is spread effectively across the intended areas with minimal wind impact.

The machines also have improved ploughs – able to remove more snow from the road and reducing the risk posed by compacted snow and ice.

Councillor Neil Butters, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “It’s essential we keep the road network safe and flowing during bad weather conditions. The Council has invested in these new vehicles, which are a big improvement on our previous fleet, with reduced emissions and the ability to remove more snow from the roads.

“Working alongside our partner, Volker Highways, we have a very experienced team ready to deal with whatever conditions winter throws at us. A lot of the gritting work is carried out overnight, as we do our utmost to keep roads safe and the road network running throughout the winter.”

In preparation for bad weather the road salt storage facility has been topped up to capacity with 1,300 tonnes of salt. The 442 grit bins sited across the district for public use are also being refilled.

The Council is unable to supply salt directly to the public and they should not attempt to enter Council Highway Depots for safety reasons.

Residents can report problems during severe weather by phone: 01225 3934041, email: [email protected], or Twitter @ccbathnes