A new forecasting system will help Croydon prepare for winter as work continues to keep the borough’s roads clear.
A fleet of 10 gritters is available to treat the 2,329 roads across Croydon, reacting to weather reports to treat routes before temperatures start to drop.
This year Croydon Council will be using Meteogroup to provide weather updates and forecasts, react to changing situations and proactively monitor the situation in Croydon.
Last year Croydon Council used 3,261 tonnes of salt on highways, footpaths and other areas, the equivalent weight of 16 adult blue whales.
Preparations are also underway to prevent and mitigate flooding with extra checking and cleaning of gullies in high risk areas and a store of 4,000 sandbags to be deployed if necessary.
Priority routes are often well used, on a bus route, or connect to important locations like schools, hospitals or fire stations.
More information on the winter gritting regime, including the locations of the 570 salt bins across the borough, can be found online.
“Staff are working hard every single day of the year to help the borough and this includes dealing with the cold and wet weather over winter.
“Gritters will be treating priority routes ahead of bad weather and ready to head out across the borough as and when needed.
“We are working hard to prepare for and prevent any issues the winter weather may present.”
Councillor Stuart King, cabinet member for environment, transport and regeneration