Gritting and travel this winter

Why aren't all roads gritted?

The county council has a finite gritting resource which needs to be applied in the most effective way across the county.

Therefore a precautionary gritting network comprising the busiest roads and those linking communities are gritted as a priority.

Are footpaths and pedestrian areas gritted?

Only in severe weather conditions where snow and ice may remain for several days and resources permit. Treatment may be carried out with assistance from local borough and district councils (where resources permit).

Consideration is given in priority order to the treatment of pedestrian and cycle routes.

What happens if it snows?

We aim to clear roads on our priority network in priority order as soon as conditions permit.

In addition to the gritters there are snow wardens in communities across the county who grit paths, as well as farmers who fit ploughs to their tractors and assist us in clearing roads during periods of deep snow. We also have a team of volunteer 4x4 drivers who will be on hand to deliver hot meals to the elderly, as well as help carers and health visitors reach their patients if there is prolonged heavy snowfall.

How to clear snow

• Start early - it’s much easier to clear fresh, loose snow than compacted ice that has been compressed by people walking on it.
• Don’t use hot water - this will melt the snow, but may replace it with black ice, increasing the risk of injury.
• Be a good neighbour - some people may be unable to clear snow and ice on paths from their property.
• If you are shovelling snow, think where you are going to put it so that it doesn’t block people’s paths or drainage channels.
• Make a pathway down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on.
• Spreading some salt on the area you have cleared will help stop ice forming - table salt or dishwasher salt will work, but avoid spreading on plants or grass as they may be damaged.
• Pay particular care and attention to steps and steep gradients.
• Use the sun to your advantage - removing the top layer of snow will allow the sun to melt any ice beneath; however you will need to cover any ice with salt to stop it refreezing overnight.
• If there’s no salt available, sand or ash are good alternatives.

About roads in and out of the county

These roads are treated on the decision of the particular Highway Authority with responsibility, so there may be a difference in the timing of the treatment.