Mini tractors to tackle snow across North Yorkshire in winter weather

North Yorkshire Council has introduced mini tractors as part of a broader effort to boost resilience across the county (Image: North Yorkshire Council)

Mini tractors are being deployed to clear snow and keep North Yorkshire's towns moving during severe winter weather.

North Yorkshire Council has introduced the compact red vehicles as part of a broader effort to boost resilience across the county.

Designed for year-round use, the mini tractors are typically used for maintaining parks and public spaces but can be fitted with snow-clearing equipment during the winter months.

Malcolm Taylor, the council’s executive member for highways and transport, said: "Keeping the county moving throughout the year is a key priority, and we are always looking at ways to strengthen our advanced winter maintenance fleet.

"By investing in these new, versatile mini tractors, we are maximising their use throughout the year and enhancing our response to severe weather."

They will be stationed in Harrogate, Richmond, and Scarborough, and deployed to areas most affected by snow, including footways and areas where access is restricted.

The council’s winter maintenance programme includes 70 gritters, over 100 farming contractors, and several snowploughs and snowblowers available.

More than 2,700 miles of road are gritted each year, and North Yorkshire’s roads span the equivalent distance from Northallerton to Tokyo.

Residents can view active gritters and priority routes on the council’s online map at www.northyorks.gov.uk/winter-maintenance-policy.