Winter roads maintenance

For grit to be most effective it requires the action of passing traffic to help activate it. The traffic helps mix grit into the snow and ice, dissolving it into brine and melting the snowfall and ice. Grit is less effective at temperatures below -5°C and has no effect below -10°C.

Whilst we would like to be able to grit all roads, we do not have the resources required and we therefore have to prioritise the roads we treat. We cover 180 miles worth of roads in grit, with the priority for gritting and snow clearing treatment being main roads, bus routes and other important commuter routes. You can find the gritting route map at the bottom of this page.

We use a specialist weather forecasting service and receive daily weather forecasts, predicting road temperatures and when they are likely to reach freezing point. This forms the basis of the decision whether to grit or not and what time to grit.

Please use the gritting route map provided below to see which roads in the city are gritted.

We will post messages on our corporate social media accounts to let you know when we are going to grit. Our gritters will usually go out at night time, when less traffic is on the roads and it is safe to do so.

We have six gritting lorries and use four of them on each gritting run. In severe snowfall, we will use all six of our lorries. We also have fifteen specialist drivers and use four on each routine run. Our gritters are on call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week should a problem arise.

For the winter period we have more than 2,500 tonnes of rock salt stored in our depot and our rock salt stock has a maximum holding capacity of 2,700 tonnes.

If it's snowing or very icy some schools may be closed. To find out if your child’s school is shut during heavy snowfall or icy weather, please visit our Schools closures page.

No guarantee can be given that roads will always be completely clear. Treated roads can still have icy patches so drivers need to drive carefully at all times during hazardous conditions or not at all where possible. Be aware that if it rains, that can wash away the grit, which means the roads may then re-freeze after they have been treated.

You can clear snow and ice from paths and pavements yourself. You will not be held legally responsible for any injuries if you have cleared the area carefully. The advice below will help you make sure that you have cleared the pathway safely and effectively.

When you clear snow and ice:

• do it early in the day – it’s easier to move fresh, loose snow
• don’t use water – it may refreeze and turn to black ice
• use salt wherever possible – it will melt the ice or snow and stop it from refreezing overnight (be aware salt from the yellow salt bins is for use on roads only)
• you can use sand if you don’t have salt as it will provide grip underfoot
• pay extra attention when clearing steps and steep pathways – using more salt (or sand) may help

If you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbours, please consider clearing their pathways this winter.

It is important to check your vehicle is in good running order before you set out and consider regular servicing. This will minimise the chance of breakdown or accident.

We’ve prepared a vehicle checklist:

• Fuel - have you got enough? Do you know where to fill up?
• Oil - check levels once a month
• Water - check radiator and screen wash once a month
• Electrics - check lights, indicators and controls are working properly
• Tyres - are they well inflated, legal (with good tread) and free from damage?
• Wear and Tear - check wipers, lights, windscreens and mirrors for signs of wear, tear and damage

An emergency kit is essential addition to your car, particularly at the start of the winter season and should include:

• Ice scraper and de-icer
• Torch and spare batteries - or a wind-up torch
• First aid kit
• Jump leads and emergency triangle
• A foldable shovel
• Sunglasses (the glare off snow can be dazzling)
• Warm clothes and blankets – hats, gloves, jackets and boots

Trains

Network Rail undertake routing winter maintenance of trainlines across the country to ensure trains continue to operate, wherever possible. It is recommended that before you travel you check National Rail Enquiries - National service indicator to see if there are any disruptions.

Buses and coaches

All of the main bus routes for each of the bus companies operating in Leicester are gritted so usually remain operational throughout the winter season. It is recommended that before you travel you check Travelling by bus (leicester.gov.uk) and select the appropriate bus company to see if there are any disruptions.

If you are worried about driving, we recommend you consider taking public transport.