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News & Media > Highway Services

13:01:2010

Narrow escape doesn't deter gritter driver

A member of May Gurney’s winter maintenance team in West Sussex had a narrow escape last week while working to keep the county’s roads safe for road users.

Mick Monger was gritting in West Chiltington when a tree brought down a live electric cable over his vehicle, trapping him for three hours.

When EDF Energy had shut down the power and removed the cable, Mick promptly continued gritting until the route was complete.

Afterwards he said: “It was a worrying time but I was keen to get going as I had the rest of my route to finish.”

Richard Collins MBE, general manager for May Gurney/West Sussex Highways, said: “We are all working hard and in close partnership with borough and district councils to ensure major routes are kept open, and extra resources have been employed to grit hospitals, road junctions and other areas to keep the county moving.

“This is the coldest winter for 30 years and crews have been deployed on 12 hour shifts to meet the unprecedented demand. Mick’s commitment to complete his route in very difficult circumstances is typical of the dedication of all the crews.”

Click here to read more about May Gurney’s work in partnership with West Sussex County Council.