The competition received an enthusiastic response, with nearly 400 votes being cast on the final round but, in the end, it was Grittersaurus Rex which won the glory.
The dino-gritter beat out other popular suggestions like CTRL-SALT-DELETE, Claudia Sprinkleman and Orlando Blooming-cold.
Grittersaurus Rex is just one of a 60-strong fleet making sure Kent’s roads are safe for the travelling public in the colder months.
The winter service, which began on 18 October 2024 and will continue until 18 April 2025, has faced numerous challenges due to severe weather conditions, including dealing with the impacts of four storms.
Storms Ashley, Bert, Conall and Darragh saw KCC Highways dealing with an additional 1000 out of hours enquiries related to fallen trees, drainage issues, and other weather-related incidents.
So far this season, gritting crews have been called out 34 times, using 7,708 tonnes of salt. Each depot has received an additional 200 tonnes of salt, with a further 500 tonnes delivered in February, to ensure KCC is ready for any further winter events.
“We are incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work of our winter service teams who have faced numerous challenges this season.”
Neil Baker, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: "We are incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work of our winter service teams who have faced numerous challenges this season. Their efforts have ensured that our roads remain safe and accessible despite severe weather conditions.
"As the weather warms up, the crews now switch their focus to maintaining our roads. I know they appreciate the support they get while gritting the roads and I hope they get the same thanks and respect for all aspects of their work, which is all aimed at keeping Kent moving and our communities connected, in all weather conditions."
Ben Pearce, host of kmfm's Getting You Home, said: "kmfm is proud to celebrate the winter heroes who keep our roads safe. Thousands of our listeners joined our competition to name a Kent gritter, and the winning name “Grittersaurus Rex” was submitted by Katie Charlier from Dover.
“Seeing the name on a gritter that will play a vital role in winter road safety has been a highlight of the year already. We can’t wait to see Grittersaurus Rex in action!"
