We are committed to doing everything we can to keep the city's streets moving during icy and snowy weather.
Gritting operations over the weekend and into the start of this week have been particularly intense. Eight gritter vehicles have completed multiple runs across prescribed routes, using around 350 tonnes of salt within 24 hours. Each vehicle covers 210 miles per run. Since Sunday, 2,940 miles have been covered.
We are now facing the worst snowfall we have faced in 10 years. The Met Office has predicted that we could have 3.5 inches of snow and temperatures as low as -4°C on Thursday into Friday morning. As a result, we are carefully managing our resources and stock of salt.
A further 600 tonnes of salt is being delivered today/tomorrow (Wednesday 7 January/Thursday 8 January), which will replenish stocks and allow full gritting operations to continue, including filling community grit bins where requested.
Unfortunately, we have been made aware of some misinformation circulating regarding the council’s salt supplies and gritting operations. It simply isn’t true that we have run out of grit.
As with every winter season, we began this year with sufficient salt stock to carry out gritting actions, with a clear focus on keeping the city’s strategic road network safe and operational. As conditions change throughout winter, salt stock is routinely replenished in line with weather forecasts and operational demand - and this year is no different.
To ensure supplies are managed responsibly ahead of further predicted snowfall later this week, teams are carefully prioritising resources, as they do every winter. Our focus remains on keeping key routes - including main roads, bus routes and emergency access routes - safe and operational.
Residents are reminded that gritter routes are designed to treat main roads and priority routes. Community grit bins are provided for use on public roads, pavements and footpaths. They should not be used on private driveways or private land, ensuring they remain available for everyone who needs them.
Gritting operations will continue in full in line with weather conditions and forecasts.
Residents are urged to take extra care when travelling during icy conditions and to check council updates for the latest gritting information.
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