This year, the streets of Islington will be sweeter if the forecast cold snap arrives in February as the council is using an innovative, environmentally friendly product called safecoat to tackle freezing roads.
The product, grit coated with a 'syrup' and derived from molasses will help to reduce the environmental damage often associated with winter gritting.
So far, Islington Council has used 226 tonnes and expects to use another 350 tonnes before the end of winter!
As Islington Council’s winter gritting team are ready for action if the if the snow does begin to fall, residents can rest assured that roads, road junctions, bus stops, schools roads, hospitals will be pre-gritted before the bad weather arrives.
To help ensure the best possible service the council's two new gritters, which can each hold up to 5.6 tonnes of grit are reconditioned, giving even more environmental benefits to the borough.
Councillor Bridget Fox, Executive member for sustainability, said: “It's been great to see first hand how well-prepared Islington is for any bad weather to come. Our reconditioned gritters are on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during winter - and they offer extra environmental benefits through using natural materials in the grit. That's what I call making our streets greener!"
Further information (including the Winter Plan) is available on the council's website at: www.islington.gov.uk
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Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008