Pupils compete to rename West Sussex’s road gritters

The students who come up with the winning names for the county’s three gritters will receive a high street voucher and win their school a grit bin, salt and snow shovels.

Wisborough Green Primary School was one of last year’s winners with ‘Thaw’, joined by Barnham Primary School’s ‘Gritiney Spears’ and Balcombe Primary School’s ‘Great Gritain’.

A gritter will arrive at the winning schools on the week beginning Monday, December 2.

Pieter Montyn, West Sussex County Council (WSCC) cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “Last year’s competition was a huge success and we are challenging pupils all over West Sussex to be creative and think up names for our gritting fleet.

“The competition also gives us a chance to visit schools and help children learn how to keep safe during the cold weather.”

Visitors from WSCC-contracted Balfour Beatty, the organisers of the competition, will also give a talk to the school on how important it is to ‘Be Safe, Be Seen’ this winter.

The deadline for entries is Friday, November 22. Schools can email [email protected] for a copy of the entry form to distribute.

WSCC is reminding residents to make sure they are prepared before they travel in winter conditions.

Residents are asked to take note of the following advice from the Highways Agency:

• Check your vehicle – fuel and fluid levels, electrics and tyres – before setting out.

• Be prepared with an emergency kit in your vehicle, including ice-scraper, de-icer, warm clothes and blankets, torch, boots, first aid kit, jump leads, a spade, a road atlas and sunglasses (for the winter glare).

• Plan your journeys. Check weather and travel conditions before and during your journey.

• If the weather is very severe, consider whether your journey is essential or travel at a different time. In winter, the weather can change quickly so always be prepared for bad weather

• Remember that even when roads have been treated with salt, ice can still form, particularly on bends or under overhanging trees.

For more advice on being ready for severe weather, visit the ‘Make Time for Winter’ pages.

For detailed information on local and national weather conditions, visit the Met Office website.