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08 Feb 2021
CITROËN REVEALS A 29% DROP IN THE NUMBER OF DAYS COUNCILS SPEND GRITTING THE ROADS AS UK FACES YET ANOTHER COLD SNAP
The average number of days each local authority spends gritting roads fell from 74.0 to 52.5 between winter 2017/18 and 2019/20, according to exclusive research by Citroën UK. In 2018, the UK saw some of the harshest winter conditions since 2010, according to the Met Office. The forecast for the week ahead is for yet more cold weather. Citroën’s innovative Grip Control® option with Hill Descent Assist optimises front wheel traction and helps maintain grip in difficult driving conditions. To find out more about Citroën and its range of models, please visit: www.citroen.co.uk/
There was a 29% drop in the average number of days councils in the UK spent gritting roads between winter 2017/18 and winter 2019/20, according to new research by Citroën UK.
A Freedom of Information Request to UK councils found the average number of days each council gritted roads in the country fell from 74.0 to 52.5 between 2017/18 and 2019/20, representing a 29% reduction*.
This is despite the freezing temperatures in 2018 when ‘The Beast from the East’ hit the UK with the harshest winter conditions recorded since 2010, according to the Royal Meteorological Society. During this period, a number of regions in the UK experienced temperatures well below the average recorded between 1981 and 2010, along with significant snowfall**.
Research by the Asphalt Industry Alliance also shows an average annual road maintenance budget shortfall of £4.9 million per local highway authority in England and Wales in 2020, with councils in need of further funds to maintain roads***.
Councils in the north of the country were found to be most active, with Scottish Borders Council spending on average 203 days of the year gritting roads over the three-year period, while Northumberland County Council spent 144 days in total on the task.
The research comes as the country braces for yet another cold spell and the risk of dangerous road conditions – especially in exposed areas. Just over half of the councils that answered the Freedom of Information Request told Citroën UK they had specific Snow Routes in place, which receive priority treatment during periods of heavy snowfall and sustained periods of freezing temperatures.
Citroën models offer a range of driver assistance systems to help customers tackle even the toughest conditions, with no compromise in comfort while driving. Citroën’s innovative Grip Control® with Hill Descent Assist option optimises front wheel traction and helps maintain grip in difficult driving conditions. Grip Control® with Hill Descent Assist is available*^ on Citroën C3 Aircross compact SUV, C5 Aircross SUV, Berlingo MPV, Berlingo Van, Dispatch van and Relay van ranges.
Eurig Druce, Managing Director of Citroën UK, said: “Driving during the winter months is more of a challenge with shorter daylight hours and difficult weather conditions making the roads more dangerous. As a brand, we are committed to providing customers with cars that are safe and easy to drive, which is why our models offer a range of driver assistance systems including Grip Control® with Hill Descent Assist, for added peace of mind.”
To find out more about Citroën and its range of models, please visit: http://www.citroen.co.uk/
*Freedom of Information request, October 2020, 38% of UK councils responded
** https://rmets.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/10970088/2019/39/S1
*** https://www.asphaltuk.org/wp-content/uploads/ALARM-survey-2020-FINAL.pdf
*^ Optional or standard equipment according to model/version
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The Citroën Brand
At the heart of the automotive market, Citroën has asserted itself since 1919 as a popular brand in the true sense of the word, making people and their lifestyles its first source of inspiration. This spirit is underlined by the ‘Inspired by You’ brand signature and is embodied by cars combining unique design and benchmark comfort. Within the sector of mainstream brands, Citroën also stands out with a unique customer experience (Citroën Advisor, ‘La Maison Citroën’, etc.). In 2019, the Citroën sold one million vehicles in over 90 countries.
The Citroën Brand in the UK
The UK is the 4th largest market for Citroën globally, with 80,000 vehicles sold in 2019. Based in Coventry, Citroën UK’s range of hatchbacks includes C1 (city car), New C3 (supermini) and C4 Cactus (compact family car). The UK SUV line-up consists of C3 Aircross (compact SUV) and C5 Aircross (mid-size SUV). The UK MPV range features Berlingo (5 or 7-seats), Grand C4 SpaceTourer (7-seats) and SpaceTourer (up to 9-seats). Citroën UK’s Light Commercial Vehicle offering covers all sectors of the market with Berlingo Van, Dispatch and Relay. Citroën has a clearly defined electrification strategy with all models across the range offering an electrified version by 2025, models already available as part of this strategy include New C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid (PHEV) as well as 100% battery electric (BEV) versions of New ë-SpaceTourer MPV and New ë-Dispatch Medium Van. This year sees the launch of the electric New ë-C4 and New C4 (compact family car) in addition to the electric New ë-Berlingo Compact Van and New ë -Relay Large Van.
Citroën UK media site: https://www.media.stellantis.com/uk-en/citroen - @CitroenUK
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