Kent's biggest gritting team says there will be no issues this winter despite the HGV driver shortages.

Gritting Kent has reassured residents over fears that a lack of drivers could leave the county's roads iced over.

Fears were sparked yesterday after councils admitted that their difficulties retaining and recruiting bin lorry drivers could also affect gritters, which spread salt on roads when temperatures drop below freezing for a prolonged period or when there is heavy snowfall.

David Renard, transport spokesman for the Local Government Association,which represents councils in England and Wales, warned that the public sector is struggling to compete with driver salaries being offered by private firms.

He said: “While most councils have been able to keep services running, some may find that their gritting services are affected in the same way that some have seen waste collection services impacted.

“As they do every year, councils will be working proactively to plan ahead and ensure that their winter services are as resilient as they can be.

“We want to work with Government to address these short-term staffing issues to ensure people across the country can continue to receive the services they rely upon.”

However, a spokesperson for Gritting Kent, Kent County Council's gritting service, addressed reports in a statement on Twitter assuring residents that the county's services would not be affected.

"You may have seen media articles regarding lack of drivers for gritting vehicles across the UK," it read.

"Our teams consist of staff who work full time for KCC Highways and our partners, we do not expect to see any issues regarding HGV driver shortages".

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