Leeds City Council chiefs have unveiled their latest weapon in the ongoing battle to keep the city moving in the face of sub-zero temperatures.
Four specially-adapted quad bikes are revved up for action when called upon to clear Leeds city centre pavements in treacherous conditions.
The new dual-purpose machines are fitted with a snow plough at the front a container on the back to distribute grit.
The mini fleet of vehicles was bought by the NHS for use on walkways throughout Leeds city centre. Leeds City Council will maintain and operate them as part of its winter plan.
Council bosses are also introducing a snow warden scheme, in conjunction with parish and town Councils, to encourage people to assist in clearing priority locations during heavy snowfall.
But it could be some time yet before the city reaps the true benefits of the latest winter weather investment as weathermen forecast temperatures above freezing for the first half of January.
The bikes operate on two routes which have a total length of 13 miles and connect key sites including the railway station, bus station, Leeds General Infirmary and Leeds University.
The scheme attracted some criticism earlier this month when the YEP revealed how quads were being used in the city centre.
Coun Barry Anderson (Con, Adel Wharfedale) questioned whether it was the “best use of resources” as it only covered a small part of the city centre and does not solve the problems for many elderly residents living in the suburbs.
The council defended the plan saying it was well beyond the local authority’s budget to grit 3,500 of Leeds’s footways every time there is a risk of ice.
Southend Council, in Essex, have turned to using quad bikes to keep its roads open in a big freeze.
They bought bikes with 500cc petrol engines, at £55,000 each, capable of carrying quarter of a tonne of grit - enough to cover 15 miles of road.
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