Snowing me, snowing you! Abba named gritter joins the East Riding fleet

A gritter with an Abba-themed name will be joining the East Riding’s fleet of gritters this winter – De-icing Queen. 

Paying tribute to the legendary Swedish band’s classic hit Dancing Queen, East Riding of Yorkshire Council has unveiled the name of its newest lorry, which will take its place among the team of gritters getting rolled out when bad weather hits, clearing roads of snow and reducing the risk of ice forming. 

The name was suggested by the public through an appeal on the council’s social media channels – and this year marks 50 years since Abba came to prominence by winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974. 

De-icing Queen will now join the 20 other gritters in the gang from October, alongside the other new starter, Snoel Gallagher, which was revealed in August. 

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 gritter gang was originally launched in 2018, with new lorries being added since then. They are: 

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 

Snowbe-Gone Kenobi 

The gritters operate during the colder months, between October and April, 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. 

For more information on winter services and how residents can help prepare for the weather visit www.eastriding.gov.uk/winter