Oops we’ve done it again – Somerset Council’s two new gritters have had their names chosen following a county-wide competition involving schools that has now become a winter tradition.
The gritters joining the Council’s winter fleet are to be named Basil Salty and Gritney Spears.
Somerset Council is working with highways contractor Kier to help make roads safer this winter and the gritter naming competition is a fantastic opportunity to involve the young people and raise awareness about the importance of road safety during the winter months.
Basil Salty and Gritney Spears, named by South Somerset Partnership School and Bucklers Mead Academy – both Yeovil-based – respectively were the winners.
The schools will receive a visit from “their” gritter and have the honour of seeing the name embellished on the vehicle.
Gritting is important during icy months as it helps keep roads safe and reduces weather-related disruptions, whether you’re heading to school, work, or appointments.
Road gritting involves spreading rock salt on roads to prevent ice and snow build up, giving car tyres better grip. Gritting teams have already been out and about treating roads when temperatures dip below 0.5°C.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste, said:
Thank you to everyone who took part, the schools for their amazing and creative name suggestions. We are always ready to grit one more time if the weather turns icy.
We can’t wait to see Gritney Spears and Basil Salty on the road this winter, keep an eye out for them on your travels.
If you see road gritters out, then be patient and be safe. You can get updates about when we are gritting, as well as live travel updates, roadworks and other highways news on @TravelSomerset on Facebook and X.
