Winter travel information campaign launches as Norfolk gritters out for the first time tonight

Norfolk's gritting fleet are heading out for the first gritting run of the season tonight as icy weather is forecast. Gritters will be out in the west, inland north and inland south areas of the county. It's not currently expected for road surface temperatures to drop low enough for gritting to be needed in the coastal areas or in the city, however the team will continue to review the latest information and forecasts.

To coincide with the start of the icy conditions Norfolk County Council's annual travel information and safety campaign #NorfolkWinter launches on social media with information and advice to keep people moving around safely this winter however they choose to travel.

Each full 3-hour gritting run in Norfolk sees 2,200 miles of road treated. All A and B-class roads and some C-class roads are treated with a focus on commuter and major bus routes and as far as is possible one route into all villages. The A11 and A47 are gritted by National Highways.

Cllr Martin Wilby, Cabinet Member for Highways, Infrastructure and Transport, said: It's a sign winter is just around the corner as Norfolk's gritting crews take to the roads for the first time this season. We are well prepared to help keep Norfolk moving over the coming months with all of Norfolk's salt domes fully stocked.

"We can all help keep ourselves and others safe this winter by always driving to the conditions, especially when it's icy, wet or snowy. It's also vital to plan ahead and be prepared when travelling on foot or on two wheels and understanding that adverse weather can cause delays on public transport too. Our Norfolk Winter campaign will provide as much useful information and guidance as possible to keep residents travelling around the county safely over the next few months.

"I'd also like to express our thanks to the team that deliver Norfolk's highway services, working day and night throughout the winter. They recently celebrated winning the Highways Winter Maintenance Award 2022. This national award recognises the hard work of the team and in particular their use of innovative technology. Well done!"

The county council's experienced highway team will be keeping a close eye on detailed specialist forecasts and weather sensors across the county that help inform when and where gritting will be taking place throughout the winter.

Updates will be posted to the county council's social media channels to let people know when gritting will be taking place. As well as tips and advice for travelling safely through the winter. Look for the #NorfolkWinter hashtag on Twitter and Facebook.

People can check which roads are on the council's gritting routes for the 2022/23 season on the map at www.norfolk.gov.uk/gritting. On the same map people can find the locations of around 1,900 grit bins in the county that are filled by the County Council and which people can use on public pavements, cycle paths and roads to help everyone get around safely.

Find more information on our website: www.norfolk.gov.uk/winter