Staffordshire County Council is reviewing its winter gritting routes for the first time in 10 years. The review will focus on how roads serve communities and key locations, rather than simply their official classification.
Peter Mason, the council's Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways, said the review reflects significant changes in road usage over the past decade. "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," he said.
No immediate changes this winter
There will be no changes to currently treated gritting routes for the coming winter. The council routinely treats more than 40 per cent of Staffordshire's road network as a precaution during winter. Other roads can be treated during prolonged periods of ice and snow where resources allow. The authority states there are no plans to reduce the overall amount of the road network being treated.
Winter capacity and resources
The council has capacity for 21,400 tonnes of salt, including a 5,000 tonne strategic reserve. During significant winter weather, resources are prioritised towards key routes, with contracted farmers and specialist snow equipment also available.
Community grit bins
The review will also cover arrangements for additional community grit bins funded by local councils. Residents can view which roads are currently included in gritting programmes and locate grit bins using the Staffordshire County Council gritting map.
Next steps
The draft winter policy was considered by a county council scrutiny committee in July and is due to go before cabinet on 16 September. If approved, the new policy will be in place before the winter season begins on 19 October 2026.
