Bradford has made history with the introduction of its first-ever female gritter driver, Nikki Francis. The 55-year-old, who lives in Queensbury, an area known for its tough winters, has officially joined the district’s team of winter maintenance drivers.
From Office to the Driver’s Seat
When not behind the wheel of a gritting lorry, Nikki works as a Stock Control Officer for Bradford Council’s Highways and Street Lighting team, a position she has held since 2003.
After recently passing her Urban Driving Apprenticeship and earning a Category C heavy goods vehicle (HGV) licence, Nikki underwent winter maintenance training and is now fully qualified to drive the council’s gritters.
Speaking about her achievement, Nikki said:
“Despite spending my working life in an office, I’ve always wanted to be a lorry driver. I had an uncle who drove an HGV, and I suppose that’s when the bug first hit. Now, I can finally cross it off my bucket list.”
Embracing the Challenge
So far, Nikki has completed four gritting runs on her designated route and says she is enjoying the challenge. She encourages others to consider following in her footsteps:
“Just go for it. Yes, the nerves are there, just like when you drive a car for the first time. But you just have to remember that you have even more responsibility when driving an 11.5-tonne vehicle—18 tonnes when fully loaded with grit!”
Keeping Bradford Moving
Nikki is now part of a 48-driver team responsible for treating Bradford’s roads in often harsh weather conditions. The council’s Priority One Routes cover over 62% of the district’s road network, spanning more than 710 miles.
Each gritting route takes approximately two to three hours to complete. Once back at the depot, drivers perform safety checks, empty leftover grit, and thoroughly clean their vehicles before finishing their shifts.
Bradford’s Named Gritters
Bradford Council currently operates 24 gritter wagons, including five that were recently named by local school children:
- Glittery Ice Machine – named by Dixons Music Primary School
- Grittle Mix – named by Burley Woodhead Primary School
- Gritty Gritty Bang Bang – named by Steeton Primary School
- Clearopathra – named by Thackley Primary School
- Wuthering Ice – named by Co-Op Academy Southfield
For more details about Bradford Council’s gritting operations, including maps of gritting routes and grit bin locations, visit www.bradford.gov.uk/winter.
Breaking Barriers
Nikki’s milestone achievement highlights the importance of diversity in traditionally male-dominated industries. Her success serves as an inspiration for women looking to break into fields such as logistics and winter road maintenance.
Bradford is proud to welcome its first female gritter driver, proving that determination and passion can pave the way for change.
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