Precautionary Gritting is carried out on all A and B classification roads, commuter routes, steep main distributor roads to villages, housing or industrial estates, including main hospitals and large schools. 

This means gritting is carried out on 558km of the District's 1360km highway network and is in line with recommendations made in a National Code of Practice.

In prolonged periods of lying snow/ice, estates and minor access roads in hilly or exposed locations will be treated on a priority basis.

The Council receive a specialised winter weather forecast provided by the Met Office.  The forecast, received on a daily basis, gives predictions of the possible road surface temperature, possibility of hoar frost, ice, snow etc, and the time those conditions may occur.  A weather station based in the centre of the District measures actual road surface temperatures, air temperatures and road surface states. This enables decisions to be made if, or when gritting is necessary. 

Our aim is to treat the Priority routes before the road surface temperatures fall to 0°C. Throughout the winter season, staff monitor the accuracy of the forecast by comparing the forecast with measured data from the weather station to ensure changes are made to the planned gritting action if the weather changes during the night.  

Salt is spread by a fleet of 13 dual purpose vehicles, at a rate of 15 grams per square metre.  These vehicles are the same ones that during the day are used to repair the roads.

If you want to request one of the following services:-

• Request a new grit bin
• Request a grit bin to be refilled
• Request a grit bin to be moved
• Request a road to be put on the gritting route
• Request road gritting
• Report snow blocking the road

you can use the online Winter Gritting Form (see 'Related Links') or telephone the Wakefield Council Contact Centre on 0845 8 506 506