Mini tractors to boost snow response in Harrogate

Mini tractors are being deployed in Harrogate to clear snow this winter.

For most of the year, the red compact machines are used by North Yorkshire Council’s parks and countryside team for tasks such as trimming flowerbeds and hedges.

But 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 council said today (October 23) 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.

The news comes as the district prepares for its worst weather for months. With Storm Austen approaching, Fountains Abbey has cancelled its Fountains by Floodlight ecent this weekend.

The council operates 70 gritters, works with more than 100 farming contractors and has several snowploughs and snowblowers available.

Cllr Malcolm Taylor, the council’s executive member for highways and transport, said: 

Gritting crews

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 the council’s online map here. 

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