Overturned Gritter Illustrates Hazardous Conditions

One of Devon’s gritters overturned in the early hours of this morning – highlighting the dangers gritter drivers face in keeping other motorists safe.

The driver sustained minor injuries and was discharged from care at the scene when his vehicle slid on ice and rolled into a bank at Longcombe Cross near Totnes at around 3am this morning.

The road into Aish from A385 was closed for a few hours but re-opened this morning. Additional gritting treatments were carried out on the route.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “This incident illustrates the hazardous conditions that our gritter drivers contend with on a regular basis. We thank them for their dedication and commitment for heading out when the rest of us are being advised not to. We have had some extremely low temperatures and challenging conditions this week, and our teams have worked tirelessly to keep our roads as safe as possible. Luckily the driver wasn’t injured more seriously but we wish him well and hope he has a speedy recovery.”