THIS winter, Hampshire Highways are keeping the county’s roads free of ice and snow with a new fleet salting vehicles, fitted with the latest technology.

The vehicles, with state-of-the-art Euro VI efficient engines, are fitted with snow ploughs.

Highways teams use localised weather forecasting and roadside weather sensors, constantly monitoring conditions to make decisions about the best time to salt the roads, where to salt and how much to use.

Cllr Rob Humby, executive member for environment and transport, said: “Highways teams monitor conditions constantly, from October through to April, and send out the gritters when road surface temperatures are set to hit zero or below, and frost or ice is likely.

“The latest technology fitted in the new fleet means that salting operations are as efficient as possible, that salting is accurate, and there is no waste.

“We’ve a full stock of salt for the winter, with 20,000 tonnes ready in barns which are strategically placed at Hook, Havant, Bishop’s Waltham, Weyhill, Totton, Micheldever, Dummer and Petersfield - and stocks are topped up when needed.

“During severe weather, everyone can do their bit to keep pavements and smaller roads not covered by the main salting routes clear of ice, by using the salt provided in the blue or yellow salt bins.

“There are around 3,700 across Hampshire, and all are now re-stocked.” and full for the winter. All it takes is about one tablespoon of salt (20 grams) to treat one square metre of road or pavement surface.

“So, used sparingly, a full salt bin should last through the worst of a severe winter.”