Pavement gritting
Here's some information about how we grit pavements and other pedestrian areas.
Which pedestrian areas does the council grit?
During periods of persistent ice and snow, we'll grit the busiest areas in town centres and outside bus interchanges.
We'll also grit the highest footfall areas on public footpaths as well as pavements and areas outside schools, hospitals, GPs and hospices.
When will the council grit pavements and pedestrian areas?
Pedestrian areas will be treated in exceptional weather conditions on a priority basis and subject to available resources within the council. Decisions to grit pedestrian areas will be based on the following criteria:
Priority 1 - busiest areas in town and district centres, principal shopping areas and outside bus interchanges and train/tram stations. Priority 1 areas will be treated subject to available resources for the following events:
- Snowfall: snow is expected to settle and remain for a period of 24 hours or more.
- Ice: ice has formed and is expected to remain for a period of 24 hours or more.
Priority 2 - priority 2 areas cover the same type of areas as covered by priority 1 but to a greater extent. Priority 2 areas will be treated when all priority 1 areas have been treated. Priority 2 areas will be treated subject to available resources for the following events:
- Snowfall: snow has settled on the ground for a period of 24 hours and is expected to remain for a further 48 hours or more.
- Ice: ice has formed and remained for a period of 24 hours and is expected to remain for a period of 48 hours or more.
Priority 3 - priority 3 areas cover the highest footfall areas on public footways outside secondary schools, further education centres, hospitals, medical centres and hospices. Priority 3 areas will be treated when all priority 1 and 2 areas have been treated. Priority 3 areas will be treated, subject to available resources, for the following events
- Snowfall: snow has settled on the ground for a period of 72 hours and is expected to remain for a further period of 72 hours or more.
- Ice: ice has formed and remained for a period of 72 hours and is expected to remain for a period of 72 hours or more.
How many gritters does the council have for gritting pedestrian areas?
We have 50 hand gritters which we use to treat footpaths in severe weather conditions.
Can I clear snow and ice from pavements myself?
Anyone can clear snow and ice from the pavement outside their home or public spaces to prevent slips and falls. Don't be put off clearing paths because you're afraid someone will get injured. Remember, people walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to be careful themselves.
Will the council treat pavements if it's frosty?
No. Normal overnight frosty conditions don't warrant the need for treatment of pedestrian areas.