Oxfordshire’s rich history, cultural icons and beloved landmarks have inspired a brilliantly pun-tastic set of names for the county’s 30-strong fleet of gritting lorries.
Earlier this year, Oxfordshire County Council and highways contractor M Group invited the public to submit name ideas for the vehicles that help keep the county’s roads safe during icy weather. The response was overwhelming, with nearly 1,500 suggestions submitted.
From wartime Prime Minister Sir Winston Chur-chill to Wantage-born Alfred the Grit, local heroes were popular inspirations. Wallingford crime writer Agatha Christie became Agatha Gritstie, while Oxford’s fictional detective Inspector Morse was reimagined as Inspector Norse—alongside a nod to actor John Thaw, who portrayed him.
Music also made the list, with fans honouring local rock legends Radiohead with Radiospread, while Blizzard of Ozz paid tribute to Black Sabbath’s Ozzy Osbourne, whose debut album cover was shot in Oxfordshire.
Sports icons were also represented. Legendary runner Sir Roger Bannister became Sir Roger Ban-ice-ster, while football favourite Joey Beauchamp inspired Snowy Beauchamp.
Local geography featured too, with Shotover Chill and Grittenham Clumps both making the final cut. Even JRR Tolkien’s literary world played a part, with Snowdo Baggins joining the fleet.
A shortlist was drawn up from the 1,480 entries, with the final winners chosen by the gritter drivers themselves. BBC Radio Oxford listeners selected three of the names, and pupils from Woodcote Primary, Deddington CE Primary and Drayton Community Primary each chose three more. The children will meet “their” named gritters later this winter.
Two vehicles were also named in memory of gritter drivers and supervisors who recently passed away.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Cabinet Member for Transport Management, thanked everyone who took part. “Oxford residents have come up with some wonderful ideas. Our gritter drivers do an amazing job, often at the coldest and most unsociable hours. Please be patient if you find yourself behind one — they are out there to keep us safe.”
Oxfordshire’s fleet includes 15 large 26-tonne trucks, 12 medium 18-tonne trucks, two 7.5-tonne vehicles and one compact 3.5-tonne ‘baby gritter’ for narrow routes. In total, 30 vehicles operate out of winter depots in Woodcote, Deddington and Drayton, spreading salt whenever temperatures drop below freezing.
The county salts around 42 per cent of its road network — one of the highest proportions in the country — with gritter drivers covering 27 routes and 3,500km each time they head out.
Residents can track the vehicles’ journeys via the council’s online gritter tracker throughout the winter months.
