Kennedy: more road gritters needed

An independent review into the Roads Service’s winter service programme has praised its response during severe weather but called for more investment in new gritting vehicles. The review was commissioned by Transport Minister Danny Kennedy and carried out by the UK National Winter Service Research Group.

“I am encouraged that the review has been generally positive and has praised the experience and professionalism of [Department for Regional Development] front-line staff,” Kennedy said. The need to continue with fleet replacement was emphasised. The department currently has 132 gritting vehicles and recently purchased another 12 at the cost of £900,000. Kennedy is seeking funding for more vehicles.

“During the severe weather this year, there were breakdowns which resulted in delays to gritters salting the roads,” Kennedy remarked. “In my view, this was simply unacceptable.”

Twenty-four of the 26 councils make salt and grit available to help clear ice and snow from designated town and city centre footways.

The Minister added: “In relation to the two councils where no agreements exist – Antrim and Castlereagh – I have written, pointing out the importance of government bodies working together, and I hope they will formally come on board.”