The Best Gritter Driver Of The Year In The UK?

Ever woken up on a freezing morning, looked outside at solid frost, and wondered how you will even get your car off the drive? Then you step onto the main roads and everything is magically clear. It is not magic. It is the work of an army of hardworking gritter drivers who head out through the night to keep the country moving.

Now a Yorkshire company is making sure these unsung heroes finally get the recognition they deserve. On 25 November, Econ Engineering in Ripon announced the launch of its brand new Grit and Glory Awards, a UK wide search to find the first ever Gritter Driver of the Year.

This national award celebrates the vital role gritter drivers play in keeping communities safe through winter.

More than just a lorry driver

When people think of important jobs, gritter drivers are not usually top of the list. Research from Econ Engineering found that only nine percent of people truly understand how crucial these drivers are.

But their role is enormous. These are highly skilled professionals who often get called out in the middle of the night when temperatures drop. While the rest of the country sleeps, gritter drivers head out in freezing conditions, navigating huge vehicles on icy roads to make sure everyone else can travel safely.

Their work keeps schools open, emergency services moving and businesses running. They spread grit precisely and safely, often in the dark and in the worst weather of the year. Without them, everyday life would grind to a halt the moment snow or ice appears.

A Yorkshire firm shining a light

The company behind the awards, Econ Engineering, has been building gritters for more than 55 years. Based in Ripon, with engineering hubs in Scotland and Wales, Econ is one of the biggest names in winter maintenance vehicles.

They understand not only the machinery but also the people who drive it. Gritter drivers rarely get public praise, despite the essential nature of their work. Econ decided it was time to change that.

The Grit and Glory Awards shine a spotlight on the drivers themselves, celebrating their dedication and commitment. It is a way of recognising a workforce that quietly keeps the country running every winter.

Introducing the Grit and Glory Awards

The awards are a nationwide search to crown the UK’s first Gritter Driver of the Year. The aim is simple: celebrate the drivers who go above and beyond to keep roads safe. These could be drivers known for their exceptional safety record, their commitment to their community, or their reliability during extreme weather.

Jonathan Lupton, Managing Director at Econ Engineering, explained the importance of the award:

“We are very proud of the role Econ plays in keeping our nation moving. But none of that would be possible without the dedication and skill of hundreds of highly trained gritter drivers. Getting up in the middle of the night and going to work in all weathers and over the festive period, it is only fitting that these hardworking individuals get the recognition they deserve.”

His message is clear. This is about finally giving gritter drivers the respect and appreciation they have earned.

How to get involved

If you know a gritter driver who deserves recognition, now is the perfect time to nominate them. The awards are open to any driver who operates an Econ vehicle and consistently goes the extra mile.

Maybe they always keep their local area safe. Maybe they are known for their friendly wave on their winter routes. Maybe they sacrifice family time over Christmas to make sure roads remain safe.

Anyone who shows remarkable dedication and skill could become the first ever Gritter Driver of the Year.

Nominations can be submitted through the official Econ Engineering website.