Essex: Council apologises for gritting delay

5:18pm Wednesday 5th December 2012 in News

Broad Road, Braintree, this morning, photographed by John Parish Broad Road, Braintree, this morning, photographed by John Parish

Drivers were caught in long tailbacks on icy roads after gritters failed to salt roads ahead of a snow flurry.

It took two hours for drivers from Halstead to reach Braintree and there was gridlock on other major roads including the A120 and A131.

Sub zero temperatures are forecast for next week.

Essex County Council has apologised for today's travel disruption and gritters are out tonight.

Tom Defty, of the Essex Weather Centre, said next week will see “Siberian weather” and blasted Essex County Council for not getting the gritters out quick enough on Wednesday.
“I have no idea what went wrong because the Met office sent us details at 9pm on Tuesday.
“Surely they must have got them but noone has responded to our questions.”
 

Comments(5)

sampler1work says...
5:28pm Wed 5 Dec 12

same old same old it never changes a bit of snow the county comes to a standstill. We pay our council tax road tax and every other way the government takes money from us yet the council cant even keep minor roads clear. This whole country is a disgrace we pay top money for a 3rd class service

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An alternative view says...
6:22pm Wed 5 Dec 12

Too true sampler1Work, there's you with your snow tyres on your vehicle and you can't get anywhere because everyone else doesn't have snow tyres or a 4x4, it's a disgrace....you have got snow tyres fitted just for the winter haven't you?

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brain1 says...
8:52pm Wed 5 Dec 12

As usual the responsible cabinet member will not be responsible he should resign he is totally incompetent . Of course it will not be his fault.
It was ithis same person only last month tod us Essex was ready for whatever the winter though at it
We must not forget this in next May Essex county election and gt rid of such idiots.

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allyballybeez says...
9:41pm Wed 5 Dec 12

would grit of helped the motorists whose cars were not ready for the winter weather? the cars that broke down due to battery failure? oh not forgetting the worn tyres, frozen windscreens and the inability to drive properly in the adverse weather conditions? yes some one should be held responsible for the decision not to grit our rural roads- but please if you have no experience or lack the confidence and ability to drive your car in bad weather then stay off the roads and wait til things hopefully improve.

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DontForgetToBreathe says...
2:28pm Thu 6 Dec 12

for crying out loud it was a tiny bit of snow!

Are we expecting gangs of gritters to be stationed on every road, every night, just in case it snows?

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