We use six local contractors based in Calderdale and most gritter drivers are Calderdale residents.
We have 20 routes that cover a mix of primary and secondary roads.
At times, we only need to treat the highest roads on our network that are likely to freeze first. We have four routes which cover these.
They may need treating when road surface temperature is forecast to be under 1oC at Pecket Well. Also, when we have snowfall on high ground only.
We aim to treat a route in three hours. This is from when the lorry first starts to grit to when it finishes the route.
Where possible we aim to finish gritting before freezing conditions take hold. Due to the weather, this is not always possible, like when there is heavy rain prior to freezing conditions.
For gritting routes, please see: Priorities for road gritting.