Abba-themed gritter joins team with fitting name that's perfect for winter
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has introduced a new member to its fleet of gritters this winter, an Abba-themed vehicle named De-icing Queen.
The name, a tribute to the Swedish band's hit Dancing Queen, was suggested by the public via the council's social media channels.
This year marks 50 years since Abba rose to fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974. De-icing Queen will join the team of 20 other gritters from October, including another new addition, Snoel Gallagher, which was unveiled in August.
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Councillor Paul West, the council's cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “Thanks to the public for suggesting another fantastic new name for our latest gritter.
“Giving our gritters names is a bit of fun, but it helps to shine a light on the lorries and the vital work our drivers do when they’re out on the roads.”
The initiative to name the gritters began in 2018, with new lorries being added over time. The current fleet includes Snoel Gallagher, Elvis Spreadley, Meltem John, Double Snow Seven, Snowy Tribbiani, Sleeter Levy, Sprinkles, David Plowie, Gritney Spears, Spreaddie Mercury, Maureen Gritman, Nicole Saltslinger, Basil Salty, Roger Spreaderer, William Wilberfrost, Gritty Gritty Bang Bang, Thaw Enforcement, Spreaddie Flintoff, Er Ner Sner and Snowbe-Gone Kenobi.
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The gritters operate during the colder months, between October and April. They'll be working out of the council's depots across the East Riding, including sites at Beverley, Carnaby, Hedon and Market Weighton. The council has a team of over 60 gritter drivers, working on a shift system, being called out when they are needed.