With less than a week remaining to take part, residents across the London Borough of Sutton are being reminded to submit their entries to name the borough’s three gritting vehicles.
The competition, run by Veolia in partnership with Sutton Council, invites local people to suggest names for the vehicles that play a key role in keeping roads safe during colder months. As temperatures drop and wintry weather approaches, the gritting teams operate through the night across the borough.
Organisers are urging residents not to miss the deadline, with only days left to put forward ideas. The chosen names will be displayed on the front of the gritting vehicles, giving successful entrants a visible and lasting connection to Sutton’s winter operations.
Councillor Christopher Woolmer, Chair of Sutton Council’s Environment Committee, said: “This is a brilliant, fun competition in partnership with Veolia that gives our residents a chance to play a visible role in this vital operation. I encourage everyone, especially our younger residents, to get creative and submit a memorable name that will make their mark on Sutton’s streets this winter.”
Veolia Sutton said the initiative highlights the importance of the service as well as community involvement. Scott Edgell, Divisional Head of Municipal Operations at Veolia Sutton, said: “We’re proud to be delivering essential winter maintenance services in partnership with Sutton Council, including gritting the streets. Our dedicated gritting service is now more sustainable thanks to our newer, more efficient routes that reduce our nightly mileage – as we work to keep Sutton’s roads cleaner and greener for everyone in the community.”
Naming gritting lorries with puns has become a popular trend in many parts of the UK and around the world.
Grit-asaurus Rex, Taylor Drift and Feathers McGrit were some of the names chosen for Gloucestershire’s gritting fleet.
Shropshire’s offering have in the past included Gritty Gritty Bang Bang, Snow Be Gone Kenobi, and Gritty McGritface.
In the US state of Minnisota, some of their snow plowing vehicles get names like Ctrl Salt Delete, Scopp Dogg, Edward Blizzardhands, and No More Mister Ice Guy.
With the submission window closing soon, residents are being encouraged to act quickly and ensure their ideas are entered before the competition deadline passes.
Sutton residents can apply by completing this form.
Final deadline is Friday 9th January.
