Staffordshire’s gritting routes are set to come under the spotlight to ensure they still best support communities and local businesses in the winter months.
For the first time in 10 years, the current winter routes will be reviewed and updated to ensure they are supporting communities, the economy and providing access to key places.
Although there will be no immediate changes this year, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways Peter Mason said the review would see routes prioritised on how they support communities rather than what class of road they are.
This brings it in line with changes in government guidance that have taken effect since the last publication.
Peter said:
“Our crews always do an amazing job to keep the county safely on the move during the winter months.
“We maintain more than 4,200 miles of highways, and over the past 10 years usage levels have changed significantly. It’s therefore sensible to ensure our policies reflect these changes, serve our communities and, crucially, keep Staffordshire moving.
“No currently treated routes will be removed for the coming winter, and we will continue to support road users when conditions are challenging.”
The county council routinely treats more than 40% of its road network in winter as a precautionary measure, above the national average. It also reactively treats the remainder of the network during prolonged periods of ice and snow as resources allow.
There are no plans to reduce the amount of network treated.
The new policy will also update arrangements for additional community grit bins funded by local councils.
The council maintains 21,400 tonnes of salt capacity, including a 5,000-tonne strategic reserve. During significant winter events, resources are prioritised to key strategic routes, supported by contracted farmers and specialist snow equipment.
The draft policy was discussed at the county council’s scrutiny committee in July, and is due to be considered by the authority’s cabinet on 16 September. If approved, it will be in place before the winter season starts on 19 October.
