Lambourn valley residents have endured some very challenging conditions recently brought on by high rainfall in late 2023 and its subsequent impact on the river Lambourn and the valley’s water table. With some of our roads still flooded, this week’s cold snap couldn’t have come at a worse time and ice has been a hazard on many of our roads.
Given the challenging travelling conditions, Lambourn Parish Council wanted to ensure that West Berkshire Council’s gritting programme is effective.
Steve Mead, Parish Councillor for Eastbury, agreed to take time out of his busy life to join one of West Berkshire’s gritting team drivers (Jim Bracey who is also a Lambourn Parish Councillor) and experience a “day in the life of the gritter”. This is what he had to say:
When there is a risk of frost the gritters generally start their pre agreed routes approximately 2 hours before the air temperature is forecast to hit zero degrees. Our route on the day was gritting key roads in and around the Lambourn valley plus a few additional racehorse specific riding out routes.
Surface water proved a challenge for the gritter as clearly, despite gritting the roads, running water soon dispersed the grit potentially leaving a wet area for ice to form.
Our gritting team appeared well rehearsed in effectively gritting their routes and within 3 hours we had completed the route ahead of rush hour and plummeting temperatures.
Gritting our key roads helps to make our roads safer by reducing the risk of ice forming. However, drivers do need to take responsibility to ensure they drive appropriately, recognising the hazards that winter and ice can present. It all helps to reduce incidents on our roads.