SCOTLAND'S hilarious gritter names are having an international reach, inspiring similar schemes in the US and Russia.

Michigan, Minnesota and South Dakota have followed the country's lead in having fun when naming their winter fleets.

Transport Scotland said the idea had 'spread' as far away as Russia.

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Gritters taking to the roads in Michigan, included Plowasaurus Rex, Sir Salts-A-Lot, and Snowboni.

The public put forward names following the success of the initiative in Scotland where trucks have been christened the likes Gritney Spears, Spready Mercury and Buzz Iceclear. 

Nick Schirripa, from Michigan’s Department of Transportation, said: “Inspired in part by TrafficScotland.org, we have started giving snowplows unique and creative names on the Mi Drive [traffic information] map.

"Current names include Plowasaurus Rex, Sir Salts-A-Lot, and Snowboni, and were chosen from hundreds of public offerings.

“Starting with several snowplows in our south west region, the department is hopeful to name more than 250 plows statewide in the near future.”

Jake Loesch, of the Minnesota Department of Transportation, said: “It was actually partially because of Scotland’s named plows that we decided to host this contest.

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"Lots of people saw that, loved the idea, and asked if we could do something similar in Minnesota.

“We received nearly 24,000 submissions and expect to share some of the best options for public voting later this month.”

A spokesman for Transport for Scotland said “We’ve seen a huge increase in web traffic as a result of the international coverage and interest.

“What started out as a bit of fun – and still is – has also allowed us to engage the public, and especially schools, in learning more about winter preparations, safe driving during severe weather, and crucially, the work our operating companies do in very testing conditions.

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"Anything that raises the awareness of the importance of being ready for winter is a positive development in our view.

“Of course, there is also a more serious side as well as the humour and global recognition.

Meanwhile in Canada similar contests are being held in several towns and cities including Guelph and Barrie, near Toronto in Ontario.