Safer driving in winter

When we salt roads

Decisions are based on road temperatures, rather than air temperatures, and salting is likely whenever road temperatures fall below zero and ice/hoar frost is forecast.

Other factors like moisture, heat retention and time of day or night will influence the decision. Application of salt is normally carried out after the evening peak traffic period or before the morning rush. This is because frost and ice do not normally affect road surfaces until late evening or early morning.
 

Which roads we salt

You can find out which routes we salt and when on our road gritting and snow clearance page. There you will also find links to further details about each route.
 

What you can do to help yourself

As a road user (motorist, pedestrian or cyclist), you have a responsibility to yourself, your passengers and other road users. Here are some guidelines to assist you in having a safe journey:

Roads may still be icy

No guarantee can be given that roads will always be completely clear of ice and snow even following treatment. It takes time for salt to become effective after roads are salted. Rain can wash salt off roads leaving them prone to re-icing. In severe cold weather with temperatures below -8 degrees Celsius, salt will not be as effective on icy roads.

Whilst every effort is made to salt roads outside rush hour periods, salting during these busy periods will inevitably give rise to some traffic congestion and delay can be expected. Please allow for additional journey time when freezing conditions continue.

Finally, even the most carefully organised procedures can suffer setbacks or mechanical breakdowns and as a result some salting routes may not be treated as quickly as programmed.

Winter driving

Driving in adverse winter conditions is more difficult if you and your vehicle aren't properly prepared. By following the simple guidelines below you will be safer and ready to deal with winter driving problems.

Before starting a Journey, please consider:

• if your journey really necessary - if it is, plan it and give yourself plenty of time - tell someone your intended route and how long you think it's going to take.
• if it is possible to travel at a different time
• check the weather forecast before starting your trip, even if it's local
• listen to the radio for details about road and weather conditions
• plan your journey using the primary gritting routes map
• allow extra time for the journey and do not rush - it is better to arrive late than never

Check your vehicle:

• keep your battery fully charged
• check tyre treads and pressures
• keep the anti-freeze in the radiator and low-freezing screen wash in the washer bottle topped up
• keep a can of de-icer and scraper in your vehicle
• before starting your journey, clear ice and condensation from the windscreen, side windows and mirrors
• check that the windscreen wipers are in good condition and work effectively
• ensure that all lights, brake lights and indicators are working properly and the lenses are clean

Carry the following in your vehicle:

• warning triangle
• hands-free mobile phone kit
• warm coat
• first aid kit
• torch
• travel rug
• tow rope
• bottled drinking water
• recovery service contact number
• map
• pen and paper

Other things to consider: 

• adverse weather and road conditions bring an increased risk of skidding
• rain, fog or snow reduces visibility - use dipped headlights and reduce your speed
• keep your speed down and increase your safety gaps when the road is wet or icy
• braking, steering, accelerating, decelerating and gear changing should be done gently and gradually
• winter sun can be low and dazzling - use your sun visor

View our primary gritting routes map