Gritting lorries named after Billie Eilish, Paw Patrol and Aston Merrygold to hit Peterborough streets

Temperatures are once again set to dip below freezing – which means the council’s fleet of gritters will once again be seen in Peterborough.

Like many authorities now, Peterborough’s lorries have all been given special names – some with a local connection, while others reflect popular culture.

The authority ran a competition to give residents the chance to Christen the new 7.5 and 26 tonne vehicles in 2023.

Peterborough City Council stores 3,500 tonnes of salt at their contractor's depot at the beginning of the winter season, which is replenished as the season progresses.

Gritting is the spreading of rock salt on roads to prevent them from freezing during cold weather. The rock salt lowers the freezing point of moisture on the road surface. This helps to stop ice forming and causes existing snow or ice to melt.

Gritting usually takes place late at night or very early in the morning. The council say they time it to ensure they treat the whole network before road surface temperatures fall below zero.

While the city council looks after much of the Peterborough network, National Highways maintains trunk roads such as the A47 (east of Wansford and including Soke Parkway), the A1 and the A1M.