Scottish Borders Council is readying itself for the winter with a move to fitting Michelin XDW Ice Grip tyres across its fleet of gritters. The decision follows a trial during the challenging weather conditions earlier in 2018, when drivers found Michelin’s full-on winter fitments – typically the preserve of fleets operating in the Nordic markets and parts of mainland Europe which see extreme winter conditions – offered a significant increase in grip compared to those fitted with standard tyres.