WINTER IS COMING: ARE OUR COUNCILS READY FOR THE CHAOS?

As the biting chill of winter looms large over the North East, the question on everyone’s minds: Will our roads survive the icy assault? Snowstorms, black ice, and treacherous conditions are just around the corner, threatening to grind daily life to a halt.

Our local councils have the responsibility to ensure these machines are ready to go, with adequate supplies of grit and well-established winter response plans in place. However, just how prepared are they this year?

Aquaseal Rubber, providers of quality snowplough rubbers, have reached out to the biggest North East councils to find out what your daily commute may look like this winter.

Grit, Guts, and Gritters-But Who’s Really Ready?

Each council has its own strategy, shaped by the size of the area they cover and the resources available to them. Gateshead Council, responsible for 55 square miles, appears well-equipped with a fleet of nine gritters, each capable of carrying a snow plough, and four additional vehicles in reserve. With 19,000 tonnes of grit on hand, they have ensured they can manage the roadways throughout the winter. Still, last winter they had just two road accidents because of bad weather – testament, if you like, to a well-oiled winter machine. But does this year’s brutal freeze beat down their supremacy?

In contrast, South Tyneside Council clears a much smaller area of 25 square miles, has a fleet of five gritters. However, their winter plan highlights flexibility, with provisions in place to secure more grit and resources if needed. While they maintain a smaller stockpile of 5,000 tonnes of grit, their focus on contingency arrangements seems to have paid off, as they reported only one winter-related accident last year. Despite their limited resources, South Tyneside’s adaptable approach demonstrates that efficiency and preparedness don’t always require extensive stockpiles.

The Middle Council: Newcastle’s Cautious Approach

Now, Newcastle Council sits somewhere between the two. Responsible for 44 square miles, they manage seven gritters, each with attachable snow ploughs, and 6,500 tonnes of grit. Like many other councils, their plan extends beyond road clearance, including footpaths and cycleways, as well as the provision of self-help grit bins for residents. Newcastle’s inclusion of these factors is particularly detailed. So, while they did not provide accident data, their efforts to broaden safety measures to all types of road users indicate a commitment to comprehensive winter preparation. Since no accident figures have been published, it is impossible to judge the real value of the effort. Ultra-cautious or preparing for the worst?

Grit Galore or Not? The Bold Gamble of North Tyneside

North Tyneside Council, covering 33 square miles, takes a different, somewhat interesting approach. North Tyneside boast the highest amount of gritters (12) so far, and yet the lowest amount of grit at 3,500 tonnes. They do, however have clear guidelines for when and how to treat roads and paths. Last year, they reported no winter-related car accidents, suggesting that their slightly left field approach seems to be working efficiently for the area they manage. One can’t help but ask, is this a high-risk strategy driven by overconfidence?

Sunderland’s Strong Stance and Northumberland’s Giant Challenge

Similarly, Sunderland Council, responsible for 53 square miles, also reported zero accidents and has a well-equipped fleet of 12 gritters with snow ploughs, alongside a healthy supply of 12,000 tonnes of grit. Their detailed plan prioritises clearance and decision-making times, ensuring that roads are treated swiftly and effectively. Impressive? Of course it is. But given the unpredictability of winter, no council can be too sure.

The larger councils, however, face greater challenges. Northumberland Council, covering a vast area of 1,940 square miles, has the largest area to look after, and plan to do so with 28 gritters and an additional four in reserve, all with plough attachments. They also boast an impressive 44,000 tonnes of grit, with another 6,000 tonnes reserved for emergencies. Despite their extensive resources, Northumberland faced eight car accidents last winter, the highest number reported among the councils. This suggests that while their coverage is broad, the scale of their responsibility makes it harder to manage road safety in all areas effectively. Their plan, which includes precautionary salting and snow clearance for roads, footways, and cycleways, remains robust, but last year’s numbers highlight the difficulties of managing such a large region.

Meet the Winter Giant: Durham’s Massive Resources

Durham Council, covering 862 square miles, also manages an extensive area, with 37 power gritters, 47 trailer gritters, and 168 snow ploughs. With 42,000 tonnes of grit, they are well-prepared to face the demands of winter. Although no accident data was provided, the scale of their resources and the detailed winter plan- covering everything from treatment routes to post-treatment and snow routes- suggests that Durham is prepared to meet the challenge.

The Verdict: Who Will Come Out on Top?

The councils of the North East are each tackling the winter season with plans and resources tailored to their specific needs. While smaller councils like South Tyneside Council and North Tyneside Council are planning to be nimble in their approach, relying on contingency and well-timed actions, larger councils such as Northumberland Council and Durham Council must manage vast areas and more complex logistics.

The variation in grit supplies, fleet sizes, and winter plans reflects the diversity of conditions and challenges each council faces. The success of these preparations, however, will ultimately be judged by how well they can keep the roads safe as the winter weather sets in.