Name Oxfordshire’s new gritters!

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Spreading smiles - and salt - across Oxfordshire!


Last winter, 30 brand-new gritters joined Oxfordshire’s fleet, ready to hit the roads whenever temperatures drop below freezing. These vehicles play a vital role in keeping our county safe - salting over 1,960km of roads each session, including A and B roads and key routes across Oxfordshire.


Now, we’re inviting you to help name them, spreading a few smiles along with the salt.


We’re looking for creative, locally inspired names that celebrate Oxfordshire’s rich history, culture, and character. Think famous authors, historical figures, musicians, sports legends, or just a clever winter pun! We’re thinking of figures like Oxford don and Alice in Wonderland author Lew-ice Carroll, Wantage’s King Alfred the Grit, and fictional Oxford detective Inspector Norse.


How to take part:

  • Review the gritters (or check in the Meet the gritters document)
  • Submit your name ideas using the form below
  • You can submit more than one idea. The more creative, the better!


Judging:

Our gritter drivers will be picking their favourite names and allocating them to the gritters.


What happens next:

  • All names will be revealed week commencing 10 November, just in time for the gritters to roll out (depending on the weather)
  • Winning names will be printed on the gritters
  • You’ll be able to follow their journeys via our online gritter tracker


Important notes:

  • All submissions will be reviewed to ensure they’re appropriate. Any that are not will be removed.
  • We encourage names with local significance, but all ideas are welcome.


As part of the campaign, we’ve also invited local primary schools near our gritter depots in Deddington, Drayton and Woodcote to take part, with their winners (chosen by the schools) invited to see the gritters up close.


Radio Oxford’s Sophie Law is also running her own part of this competition, with listeners submitting ideas and Sophie picking the winner herself. And another two have been named after much-loved colleagues – leaving the rest left to name.


Ready to make your mark on Oxfordshire’s icy fleet?


Submit your coolest name ideas today and help us turn grit into wit!


Closes: Midday 5 November

  • Winners released: Week commencing 10 November

Spreading smiles - and salt - across Oxfordshire!


Last winter, 30 brand-new gritters joined Oxfordshire’s fleet, ready to hit the roads whenever temperatures drop below freezing. These vehicles play a vital role in keeping our county safe - salting over 1,960km of roads each session, including A and B roads and key routes across Oxfordshire.


Now, we’re inviting you to help name them, spreading a few smiles along with the salt.


We’re looking for creative, locally inspired names that celebrate Oxfordshire’s rich history, culture, and character. Think famous authors, historical figures, musicians, sports legends, or just a clever winter pun! We’re thinking of figures like Oxford don and Alice in Wonderland author Lew-ice Carroll, Wantage’s King Alfred the Grit, and fictional Oxford detective Inspector Norse.


How to take part:

  • Review the gritters (or check in the Meet the gritters document)
  • Submit your name ideas using the form below
  • You can submit more than one idea. The more creative, the better!


Judging:

Our gritter drivers will be picking their favourite names and allocating them to the gritters.


What happens next:

  • All names will be revealed week commencing 10 November, just in time for the gritters to roll out (depending on the weather)
  • Winning names will be printed on the gritters
  • You’ll be able to follow their journeys via our online gritter tracker


Important notes:

  • All submissions will be reviewed to ensure they’re appropriate. Any that are not will be removed.
  • We encourage names with local significance, but all ideas are welcome.


As part of the campaign, we’ve also invited local primary schools near our gritter depots in Deddington, Drayton and Woodcote to take part, with their winners (chosen by the schools) invited to see the gritters up close.


Radio Oxford’s Sophie Law is also running her own part of this competition, with listeners submitting ideas and Sophie picking the winner herself. And another two have been named after much-loved colleagues – leaving the rest left to name.


Ready to make your mark on Oxfordshire’s icy fleet?


Submit your coolest name ideas today and help us turn grit into wit!


Closes: Midday 5 November

  • Winners released: Week commencing 10 November

  • Spreading smiles - and salt - across Oxfordshire!

    • Submit your name ideas using the form below
    • You can submit more than one idea. The more creative, the better!
    Take Survey
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Page last updated: 22 Oct 2025, 02:01 PM