Winter gritting
Deciding when to grit isn’t simply based on the air temperature. We use specialist weather forecasts and consider road surface temperature, road conditions, rain, frost, ice and snow to decide when treatment is needed.
How do we decide when to grit?
One of the most important factors is the forecast road surface temperature.
Road surface temperature can be different from the air temperature shown on your car dashboard or weather app. If the road surface is forecast to fall to a level where frost or ice could create a hazard, we aim to treat the network before this happens.
Our winter team considers:
- forecast road surface temperatures
- whether roads are dry, damp or wet
- frost and ice
- rain and freezing rain
- expected snowfall
- residual salt already on the road
- changing weather and local conditions.
In simple terms
- Weather forecast
- Road conditions
- Treatment decision
- Gritters deployed
The timing and amount of salt used is adjusted to suit the conditions.
Why does the timing of gritting vary?
Putting salt down earlier isn't always better.
For example, heavy rain can wash away or dilute salt. If rain is expected before temperatures fall, treatment may be timed after the rain has stopped but before the road freezes.
This means you may sometimes see gritters operating later than expected. The aim is to put the treatment down at the time when it will be most effective.
How much salt do we use?
We don't use the same amount for every treatment.
As a guide:
- Normal frost: typically, around 10g of salt per square metre.
- Colder or more difficult conditions: treatment can increase to around 20g per square metre.
- Heavy snow or freezing rain: additional or repeated treatments may be required.
The final decision takes account of the forecast, road conditions and the amount of salt that may already remain on the road.
What happens when snow is forecast?
When snow is expected, we can increase treatment to help prevent the initial snowfall from settling.
If snow has already accumulated to depths of more than 50mm, we may use a combination of snow ploughing and salting. Because ploughing takes longer than normal gritting, clearance will initially focus on the A and B road network before moving onto other routes.
During prolonged or severe weather, roads may need to be treated several times.
When are our gritting teams working?
Winter teams operate across the county:
South Staffordshire: Most treatment takes place between approximately 5pm and 5am, with daytime resources available during severe weather.
North Staffordshire: Teams operate AM and PM shifts, providing coverage from midnight to midday and midday to midnight.
Treatment is timed around forecast conditions rather than simply taking place at the same time each day.
Why hasn't my road been gritted?
Not every road in Staffordshire forms part of a routine gritting route, and routes have to be prioritised.
It's also important to remember that gritting reduces the risk of ice but cannot guarantee an ice-free road.
Rain, temperature, traffic, wind and rapidly changing weather can all affect road conditions and the effectiveness of treatment. Treatment rates may therefore be adjusted according to conditions.
Even where a road has been treated, please continue to drive according to the conditions.
Follow our gritters
Our live winter gritting tracker helps you see gritting activity across Staffordshire.
View the live winter gritting tracker
The tracking system shows vehicles while they are actively gritting, helping residents understand where treatment is taking place.
Winter gritting: quick answers
Why aren't gritters out when my car says it's below zero?
Because we consider forecast road surface temperature, which can be different from the air temperature shown by your car or weather app.
Why don't you always grit before it rains?
Rain can wash away or dilute salt, so sometimes treatment is more effective after the rain stops but before freezing occurs.
Do you always use the same amount of salt?
No. The amount varies according to temperature, road conditions and whether frost, rain, snow or freezing rain is expected.
Does gritting mean the road won't be icy?
No. Gritting reduces the risk, but conditions can change quickly. Always drive according to the conditions.
What happens during heavy snow?
We can move from precautionary gritting to repeated salting and snow ploughing, prioritising key parts of the network.
