Winter Services - General Discussion

Educational Videos on Winter Service Treatments

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 10:12:19 GMT

East Riding of Yorkshire Council Winter Team are considering creating a short (2–3 minute) educational video aimed at the public to help manage expectations and improve understanding of winter service treatments. The video would cover: What salt and brine are How they work Their benefits and limitations Why treatments cannot guarantee ice-free roads The importance of driving to the conditions, even after treatment Before we start developing this from scratch, we’d like to check whether any NWSRG members have already produced similar videos or know of any that could be shared, provide a starting point, or serve as a reference?

Farmers snow plough resource

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 14:07:16 GMT

Hi We are looking for information from other members with regards to the use of local farmers to support snow ploughing operations through the winter season. Would other members be able to give guidance on the following questions please, especially members local to Hampshire. Are local farmers contracted to assist with snow ploughing of set routes ? If used, how are the farmers asked to treat the road network they are responsible for; is it P1 routes first followed by secondary routes and then any other blocked roads as time allows? How are the farmers deployed, do they self deploy on the onset of snow or are the contacted and asked to deploy ? How is farmer loan working managed, and actual worked hours agreed/invoiced ? Do you supply the ploughs and linkages to the farmers or do they supply their own equipment? How is the equipment maintained, do the farmers need to provide evidence that the host vehicle is fit for the road, and who maintains / inspects the ploughs used and frequency of inspections? What, if any, training is given to the farmers / what qualifications do they need to work to work on your network ? What insurance cover do you request that the farmers have ? What rates are used when working out the payment mechanism with the farmers at point of contract? Is it NFU rates etc..?

Training

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 11:09:21 GMT

We are currently using quad bikes and trailers for footpath salting could you let me know if city & guilds 680 training is mandatory

De-icing practices of sensitive structures

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 13:25:03 GMT

Hi All, I work for National Highways, and I am researching Local Highway Authorities' de-icing practices of sensitive structures throughout England. I'm looking for the answers to these questions: - What de-icing agents do you use on large sensitive structures, such as tunnels and bridges? - What are your current spread rates for the de-icers? - Do you follow the manufacturer's guidance when using the de-icers? - Have you noticed significant issues with corrosion on these assets when using your specified de-icers? - Have you ever used other de-icing agents in the past? If so, which ones, and what were the reasons for discontinuing their use? - Have you ever trialed any other de-icers? Any answers are appreciated! Thank you.

Salt Types

Fri, 9 Feb 2024 11:51:45 GMT

Hi, I work for Nottinghamshire County Council and wanted to find out what what salt types neighbouring authorities to Nottinghamshire use please as I am try to do a comparison. Derby/Derbyshire, Leicester/Leicestershire, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire would be ideal. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you, Regards Richard

Use of Salt Wicks (hessian salt sacks)

Tue, 9 Jan 2024 10:47:47 GMT

Hi All - one of our member authorities has contacted us saying that they use salt wicks (hessian sacks filled with salt) in situations where they have running water on the network. They are looking to understand whether or not this is common practice and/or whether there is any best practice advice/guidance that can be shared about this ? I am aware that some other authorities do utilise salt wicks in certain temporary situations where they have identified water flowing onto main roads from adjacent ground etc but I do not know how widespread a practice this is and I am not aware of any guidance/advice that has been issued about it. As always therefore, any advice / experience you can share would be very much appreciated. Adrian R.

Gritting Treatments on the Rights of Way Network

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 13:54:31 GMT

Can I ask for some feedback from colleagues about gritting treatments on the rights of way network (Public rights of ways/Bridleways etc) and does anyone have a different decision making process compared to adopted footways?

A query in Bridgend has arisen regarding a Network Rail bridge, installed by NR that has a PROW over it. We like many other LA’s have a different department that deal with the Rights of way network, so would be curious to know what/how decisions on treatment, if it is undertaken, is decided.

Thank you in advance.

Salt Stock Management

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:02:58 GMT

Morning In Norfolk we have used an Access database for may years to monitor stock levels, details of theoretical usage, route usage within tolerance, sand/salt mix usage, gritter performance etc. The database underpins most other reporting too for Winter operations. Going forward we need to find another way of recording the information as the NCC ICT Team no longer support Microsoft Access. I wonder whether any other members have a bespoke salt management system already in operation or if not how do they manage salt stocks and other the winter related information required as detailed above. Thanks Sandra Wilkerson norfolkhighways.winterservices@norfolk.gov.uk