13/11/2023 - Winter is on the way and we are ready!
With the clocks recently changing, and with darker nights and colder days, the council is gearing up its winter service plans to keep the roads moving.
The fleet of gritters are ready for when icy conditions are forecast and the temperature plummets with crews prepared to salt over 140 miles of Luton’s roads to help prevent icy patches or snow from forming. That’s more than 1,400 tonnes of salt on our roads – equivalent to the weight of 350 hippos. Information from weather recording stations is assessed and if there is a risk of ice, Luton’s gritting fleet will set out.
The council also provides over 238 salt bins at known trouble spots, such as sharp bends and steep hills. Anyone can use these supplies to treat localised icy patches on the road and footpaths, although they should not be used for domestic driveways and footpaths.
Councillor Javed Hussain, portfolio holder responsible for highways at Luton Council said: “Our highways engineers constantly monitor the situation and if a cold spell comes, our gritters will be out treating as many roads as possible - concentrating resources on keeping the busier routes clear. We have a packed salt barn and we are ready.
“If you are driving in a cold snap please don’t assume that a road has been salted and even if it has been treated conditions can often still be slippery. It’s best to be cautious and keep your distance.”
The council’s website has plenty of advice to help people stay safe this winter, including information on clearing snow and ice from outside properties, staying safe on the roads, the routes it salts when temperatures are below zero and winter weather advice for the home.
The latest gritting decisions are posted by the council on X (formally Twitter) @lutoncouncil
Read more about keeping well during the cold weather.
A wide range of practical and financial support is available to help people through a tough winter. These can be found on the ‘Luton, supporting you’ webpage.
Community spaces are also running this year.