Mini tractors are being deployed to clear snow in North Yorkshire’s towns this winter to boost resilience against the most challenging conditions.
For most of the year, the red compact machines will be used by our parks and countryside team for tasks including trimming flowerbeds and hedges, as well as carrying fencing supplies.
They can also be fitted with snow-clearing attachments to support the winter maintenance teams when severe weather strikes, helping to deliver a cost-effective service.
The mini tractors will be stationed in Harrogate, Richmond and Scarborough, but will target the worst affected parts of the county when snow hits. This will include footways and other areas where access is restricted.
We operate 70 gritters, work with more than 100 farming contractors and have several snowploughs and snowblowers available.
Executive member for highways and transport, Cllr Malcolm Taylor, said: “Keeping the county moving throughout the year is a key priority, and we are always looking at ways to strengthen our advanced winter maintenance fleet.
“By investing in these new, versatile mini tractors, we are maximising their use throughout the year and enhancing our response to severe weather.
“The vehicles will be used in town centre and other urban locations which are difficult to access by larger vehicles, alongside our existing fleet of gritters and equipment.
“As the winter gets into full swing, we are reminding road users to take extra care when travelling and check weather conditions before setting off.”
North Yorkshire’s roads span the equivalent distance from Northallerton to Toyko, and more than 2,700 miles of the network is gritted during the annual winter maintenance programme.
Around 50,000 tonnes of salt is in storage with about 5,000 salt bins and heaps across the county.
Advanced weather forecasting and road temperature monitoring helps to make informed decisions about when and where to treat roads. Gritting crews are on call 24 hours a day throughout the winter season.
Residents can view active gritters and the priority gritting routes on our online map.