Road Gritting and Snow Clearance

In adverse winter weather conditions, we aim to ensure the safe movement of all highway users on designated roads throughout the district, whilst keeping delays and accidents to a minimum.

To help us achieve this, we create a  Winter Service Policy and Plan [7MB] , and we also make available a  Safer Driving Guidance [1MB]  leaflet.  These detail what actions we take when ice and snow is forecast, and how drivers can help us to keep our road network moving.

Please note that:

• the M4 and A34 are managed by National Highways and not West Berkshire Council
   
• private or unadopted roads or streets are not maintained at public expense, and so are not covered by any gritting or snow clearance plans drawn up by West Berkshire Council

Treatment Routes

For the period between November to the end of March, we monitor the weather to identify when gritting and/or snow clearance is required.

Where possible, treatment is carried out either before the morning rush hour or after the evening rush hour.

You can view information about our different gritting routes on our individual route webpages:

• Primary Gritting Routes
• Secondary Gritting Routes
• Snow Clearance Road and Footpath Network
• Contingency Clearance Road Network

Please note that we are unable to treat any private footpaths, parking areas, accesses or similar. 

Private owners should arrange to treat these areas themselves. Rock salt is available from:

• B&Q
• Homebase
• Jewson
• Travis Perkins

Self-help During Cold Conditions

The government have produced guidance on clearing snow and ice from pavements yourself.

To help with this, roadside salt bins are available across the district for communities to use to treat the road and path in front of their properties, and other targeted areas of the highway.

For more information, see  Appendix Q [290KB]  of our  Winter Service Policy and Plan [7MB] .

In times of adverse weather make sure your journey is necessary.

Updates about the status of these services are also published on our Facebook and Twitter.