Grit thieves warned to stay away from yellow bins

Thieves are being warned to stay away from street grit bins as the region gears up for more freezing temperatures.

Gritting crews will be out in force to clear main roads in the coming days with temperatures are predicted to plummet below zero, but council bosses are encouraging people to use the yellow grit bins to clear pathways and residential streets.

However, thieves have been known to empty bins for their own personal use, or even sell it on.

“The grit provided in yellow bins is strictly for use on public roads and pavements and is there to help the public help the county council to keep roads and footways safe,” said Coun Kevin Greaves, chairman of the county council’s transport and highways committee.

“Taking it for use on drives or, possibly, to sell for profit is a very selfish and dangerous act, which puts the safety of all road users at risk and could even cost someone’s life.

“Bags of rock salt, for use on people’s private property, are available at all good builders’ merchants and DIY stores.”

With the chilly weather set to last until Friday, according to forecasters, the teams will be on alert all week.

The 23 gritting teams began at the weekend with a run of all main routes around the county between 6.30pm and 10pm, followed by a run on all snow routes.

Related topics: