OUTCO Answers This Year’s Top 5 Most Worrying Winter Gritting Questions

Every year we read a huge amount of winter gritting questions and snow clearing articles. Some are insightful and useful, while others are written to grab headlines and spread some panic. This year is no different and if you were to believe everything that’s written, then the forecast would be all doom and gloom with a new ice age on the horizon.

As the winter services experts, we can quickly see through the alarmist articles, and when asked by our clients if what’s written is true, we provide them with facts and truths, which keep their minds at ease.

Clients who work with us as their reputable winter service provider, benefit from our knowledge, experience and robust winter planning, skills, equipment, and technology to keep them one step ahead of winter. Our clients rely on us at this time of year, and we don’t advise anyone to form their winter compliance strategy on what’s written in the tabloids!

Our clients know that OUTCO are fully prepared to tackle the harshest of winters, and are fully prepared to keep their sites safe, compliant and open. We are here to provide a complete range of winter services from winter gritting and snow clearance, through to the supply of winter gritting salt and grit bins directly to site.

We have compiled and answered the top five most worrying winter gritting and winter services questions, but if you have a question of your own, please feel free to contact us.

I have read that this winter is going to be the worst for some years. Is this true?

It’s safe to say that parts of the UK will get multiple days of snow this winter and that temperatures will go below freezing on consecutive days and nights. It’s also a reliable bet to say that many areas will also experience some nasty winter storms and blizzards. This really is what winter looks like in the UK and it shouldn’t be a cause for any undue concern. The trick is to know when and where difficult winter conditions will reach us and ensure your winter service is in place.

OUTCO utilises the latest weather forecasting technology to stay ahead of mother nature. We are constantly monitoring the weather and our technology provides us with outstanding forecasting accuracy of temperature and site conditions. All forecast information provided to us is quality controlled by a team of expert meteorologists to ensure the highest level of accuracy possible. Our weather forecasting has consistently surpassed targets set by the Highways Agency, boasting an impressive 97.8% reporting accuracy in comparison to Highways England’s 85%.

How will the shortage of HGV drivers affect you?

While some industries are experiencing difficulties from the current driver shortage, we are not impacted as we directly employ our own drivers. We primarily self-deliver our services via our in-house teams and all our winter operatives and drivers are recruited in advance of the season, and undergo extensive training and preparation ahead of the season.

How will the lack of vehicles available in the marketplace impact you?

We operate our own fleet of modern and reliable vehicles and have over 500 4×4’s on the road. All our vehicles are meticulously maintained throughout the season to ensure they are kept in the best condition. What’s more, we have partnered with Volkswagen to ensure a robust supply chain is in place for future vehicle procurement and delivery.

I hear there is a shortage of winter gritting salt in the UK

We have excellent stocks of winter gritting salt and have thousands of tonnes of salt stored in over 200 strategic locations around the country. In addition, we have reliable salt supply chain partners who continually replenished our salt stock throughout the winter season.

I’m worried about the name of the latest storm

If there’s one thing the media loves, it’s giving winter storms a scary name. While names such as the “Beast from the East,” “Snowmageddon” or the “Polar Vortex” sound terrible, they’re just dramatic names to grab attention and get people talking.

Keep your customers safe and book your winter services

Our advice couldn’t be simpler: don’t wait until it gets cold before booking your winter services.

To find out how we can work together, or to obtain a free winter gritting quote or site inspection, please contact us today.