Go Your Own Way: Sleetwood Mac Leads East Sussex Winter Run

East Sussex’s fleet of gritters will be hitting the roads next week — not because of frost, but to make sure they’re fully prepared for the months ahead.

On Friday (19 September) 21 gritting trucks will take to the county’s busiest routes as part of the annual Operation Snowdrop.

The dry run is designed to help drivers re-familiarise themselves with their winter routes, check for potential obstructions like overgrown vegetation, and ensure vehicles are in top condition before cold weather strikes.

Among the gritters heading out will be local favourites with their pun-filled names — Taylor Drift, Sleetwood Mac and Snowball — giving residents a smile as they pass through towns and villages from 7pm.

The exercise doesn’t involve any salt being spread, but it plays a vital role in East Sussex Highways’ winter planning.

Councillor Claire Dowling, lead member for transport at East Sussex County Council, said:

“Our team of gritters do a fantastic job helping to keep the county’s roads clear of snow and ice during the winter months.

"Although it may seem odd for our gritters to head out when there is no snow, the Operation Snowdrop dry run is a chance to check everything is in place for the arrival of cold weather and is a key part of our winter service planning.”

The county’s gritting season runs from October to April, with drivers on standby 24/7.

More than 10,000 tonnes of rock salt is stored across five depots — at Ringmer, Heathfield, Polegate, Cripps Corner and Maresfield — while 910 grit bins and tubes will also be topped up across East Sussex.

Last winter, more than 6,600 tonnes of salt were spread to keep roads safe and the county moving.