Gritters have been out on Gloucestershire roads for the first time this autumn, as temperatures dropped below 3°C in some parts of the West. Gloucestershire County Council’s winter service has started its treatment runs, and drivers are being asked to take extra care, even on roads that have already been gritted.
When the county grits
The council’s core winter period runs from October to April. Salting is a precaution, so it happens before ice forms rather than after. Decisions are based on weather forecasts, an ice prediction system that compares forecast conditions with road temperatures measured at 12 weather stations around the county, and the judgement of staff on the ground.
The council’s fleet is 29 gritting vehicles, and each salting route takes about three hours. Gritters were due out across the county on a Thursday and overnight. Routes in the east and west were due to be treated at around 2pm and again at 2am, and central Gloucestershire at about 7pm.
Which roads get treated first
Precautionary salting covers the strategic road network, which is about 28% of the county’s roads. It includes:
- Class A and B roads
- Roads leading to hospitals, ambulance, police and fire stations
- Some main public transport routes
- Roads serving the main shopping centres
- Roads leading to most secondary schools
Minor roads are often not salted, and salt can lose its effect in heavy rain, high winds or very cold temperatures. Ice can still form on a road that has been treated, so leave extra time for journeys and adjust your speed.
Grit bins and how to report them
There are more than 4,800 public grit bins across the county. To find the nearest one, zoom in on the council’s gritting map and select ‘salt bins’. The salt is for use on public roads and pavements only, and using it on private drives can lead to prosecution.
If a bin is empty or has been damaged, report it on Fix My Street at fixmystreet.gloucestershire.gov.uk. Give the exact location, the road name, any nearby landmarks and the bin number if it has one. You can also email highways@gloucestershire.gov.uk.
If you are out on the roads
If you spot a gritter, give it space, especially while it is spreading salt. Keep your speed down on untreated side roads and give walkers and cyclists room on icy pavements.
