AS TEMPERATURES begin to plummet and we prepare to head into the depths of winter, gritters will soon be hitting the road.
Last year, Scotland’s gritters became a worldwide internet sensation after a Twitter account in California shared an image of the fleet’s hilarious names.
But did you know, that gritters in Brighton and Hove also have their own names – and some of them are very amusing.
In 2013, people were asked to get in touch with Brighton and Hove City Council to suggest names for its fleet of seven gritters.
The council received more than 150 suggestions from people on social media and a shortlist of names were selected from the most popular.
Gritter Garbo topped the list, with Electra, Brighton Belle, True Grit, Alexander the Grit and Snowbug also chosen.
Listeners of Juice FM, which became Capital Brighton in 2018, chose the name of the final gritter and they looked to one of the country’s greatest performers for inspiration.
The final gritter was named Melton John after the Rocket Man himself, Sir Elton John.
The council’s winter highways service will begin this month and will run until the end of March.
It includes salt gritting, snow ploughing, pavement clearing and filling grit bins for people to use.
Winter duty managers are on call at all times, including weekends and throughout the Christmas holiday period.
They look at the weather forecast for a 24-hour period and local road temperature data to decide the best cause of action.
During severe weather, the council aims to keep all A roads and most B roads clear, as well as prioritising bus routes and access to local hospitals
In total, it looks after 156 miles of main routes around the city.
The A23, M23, A27 and A27 Brighton bypass and the A23 north of the A27 junction are maintained by Highways England.
Ditchling, Falmer and Saltdean borders are maintained by East Sussex County Council.
Fishergate and Devils Dyke borders are maintained by West Sussex Highways.
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