A FLEET of new gritters is ready to take to the road this winter to help keep Inverclyde moving.
Four new vehicles have been purchased by Inverclyde Council, replacing trucks that have had seven years of use. The council will have a total of six gritters available for the 2026/27 winter season.
The lorries can also be turned into snow ploughs should there be any heavy snowfall.
Staff are ready to move on to a winter schedule with gritter drivers on a 24-hour rota from the end of October to keep key routes safe as the temperatures drop.
Vice-convener of environment and regeneration, Councillor Paul Cassidy, said: “Our winter service is gearing up for another busy season.
“The council has invested in four brand new gritters and improvements to our salt storage facilities so that our teams have the equipment and resources they need to keep Inverclyde moving during the colder months.
“Our dedicated teams work around the clock, monitoring weather conditions and treating roads and priority footways whenever required. Residents can be assured that we are prepared and ready to respond.
“I’d also encourage people to take a few moments to prepare themselves for the months ahead, whether that’s planning journeys carefully during adverse weather, checking where local grit bins are located, ensuring their vehicles are ready for winter conditions, or looking out for neighbours who may need extra support during cold spells.
“By working together and taking some simple steps now, we can all help keep ourselves, our families and our communities safe throughout the winter months.”
As well as the council’s own crews, external contractors and farmers can be drafted in to help if needed.
Roads are treated on a priority basis to ensure vital routes are kept clear.
There are more than 500 grit bins located on roads which are not routinely gritted, for residents to use.
Transport Scotland is responsible for gritting the A8 from Port Glasgow to Greenock and the A78 from Greenock to Wemyss Bay.
