Severe weather advice
For updates and information about how services are being affected during severe weather conditions, see adverse weather conditions - affected services, you can also follow us on X (formally Twitter), where all updates will be posted immediately.
Severe weather warnings for the Southeast of England are available from The Met Office.
Winter service
As the Highway Authority we are responsible for the winter gritting and snow clearance of the public highway in the city, as far as reasonably practicable.
Services
Our winter service includes (as far as reasonably practicable):
- gritting priority carriageway routes
- snow ploughing priority carriageway routes
- providing and maintaining salt grit bins
- grit salt is available to purchase using our online form (further information has been provided in the salt gritting and salt grit bins section on this page)
- gritting and clearing priority footways upon request
Salt gritting/snow ploughing
We have four gritting vehicles that can also be fitted with snow ploughs.
Rock salt is spread on the surface of roads and footways helping to reduce snow and ice hazards on treated surfaces by lowering the freezing point of water. Roads are gritted before frost forms.
The rock salt that we use contains a liquid additive called Safecote which is blended from natural, environmentally friendly ingredients. Safecote reduces the environmental impact of gritting operations as it is biodegradable and has reduced bounce and greater adhesion to the road surface than pure rock salt, allowing targeted spreading and lasting activation.
Routes
We prioritise the gritting of three primary carriageway routes. These primary carriageway routes are of the highest priority and will be completed before gritting or snow clearing in other potential areas carried out.
To see if your road will be gritted download our list of gritting routes
If there is a salt shortage, or stocks need to be preserved, there may be a reduction in the primary routes treated.
We may deviate from planned routes to support emergency services. Following consideration, we may provide gritting and snow clearing services for priority footway areas upon request and if resources allow.
As resources are limited, we are not able to treat all residential highways or footpaths. Residents must take care and assess whether it is safe to continue with their scheduled activities.
Decision making
Our decision makers are volunteer colleagues from either the Highway and Coastal service or the Traffic and Parking service. Our decision makers receive a weather report from our forecasters daily.
This report shows them minimum temperatures along with any hazards expected (frost, black ice, snow etc). From this they can make an informed decision whether to grit the city's roads and the best time to do this.
Salt grit and salt grit bins
Grit bins are located around the city for residents to use on public highways. View a map showing the location of gritting bins across the city.
Salt grit, can be purchased from the Council for amenities (such as doctors surgeries, care homes, schools and school clubs etc) for £9 per 20kg bag using our online form.
Preparing in advance
What you can do
The following can help you prepare:
- salt is available from large retailers and DIY stores
- regularly maintain your vehicle and ensure that it is prepared for winter driving and weather
- keep an ice scraper in the car
- consult advice on how to stay healthy during winter and getting ready for winter
Vulnerable members
Vulnerable members of our community may struggle during periods of adverse weather. You can help by:
- offering yourself as a contact for vulnerable neighbours
- checking in on neighbours and relatives that may need extra assistance
- offering to run essential errands for them if it is safe to do so
- use the grit from the bins available for the public footpaths if it is safe to do so
Advice on clearing snow
Shovel snow as soon as possible after it has fallen and before gritting to maximise its effectiveness.
Do not try to clear snow or ice with boiling water it may freeze and make things worse.
Do not create snow heaps on the highway.
Driving in winter conditions
if you must drive:
- check the Highway Code for advice on driving in ice and snowy weather
- ensure your vehicle is prepared, that it is serviced, well maintained and has effective windscreen washer fluid and wipers, sufficient antifreeze and tyres that have the correct depth of tread. It may be advisable to lower tyre pressure a little to increase traction
- before each journey ask yourself whether it is essential or not
- traffic monitoring cameras which can be viewed online to help you plan your journey
- check local traffic or weather reports
- clear your car of fallen snow - remembering mirrors, lights, windows and the car roof
- leave plenty of time for your journey, do not hurry
- drive with great care and reduce speed - remember some roads may not be treated or only treated in part
- when driving on ice use low engine revs and a higher gear
- do not brake or accelerate suddenly
- direct heated air towards the windscreen to prevent frost and improve visibility
- keep a safe stopping distance between you and the vehicle in front