Contact details

Telephone:
0333 200 6981

E-form:
Streetpride online enquiries

Email:
streetpride@derby.gov.uk

Rock Salt (Halite) is generally used by Highway Authorities to prevent the formation of ice on their roads. Rock Salt is the natural solid form of salt, and is mined from seams deep beneath the sea bed. The spreading of Rock Salt on roads is commonly termed as gritting, although neither sand nor crushed rock grit is used in the process.

Derby City Council uses, on average, approximately 2,000 tonnes of Rock Salt per winter season. This volume of salt is predominantly used on Derby's roads and limited treatment of footways in the city centre throughout the winter. Salt is also provided for the 80 grit bins that are sited around the city. A winter season is defined as being between October and April, but treating the roads with Rock Salt can be extended as the weather dictates.

We have an approved network of roads for gritting (salting). Gritting is carried out by gritting vehicles operated by our Derbyroads partnership with the contractors Carillion. The routes are known as the gritting routes and are shown on our Interactive location map.   Our partners, Carillion, currently provide 6 gritting vehicles for gritting Derby City's roads and each time the vehicles are called out, they treat 160 miles of roads. The treated lengths of road equate to 36% of the city's road network.

Where we grit

These include principal roads, classified roads, important access roads and some (not all) bus routes.

Pedestrianised areas and certain footways around the city centre will also be treated under certain weather conditions.

In prolonged periods of snow and ice other roads and footways will be treated once the gritting routes are clear and the contractor's resources are available, with priority being given to danger spots as identified by the Police.

Where others grit

Trunk roads are not the responsibility of the City Council. These roads are:

• the A38
• parts of the A516 and A5111
• and the A52

They are treated by other contractors working for the Highways Agency.

For operational reasons we have a reciprocal agreement with Derbyshire County Council to treat certain roads adjacent to the city boundary which are the responsibility of the other authority, for example some roads within the city near the boundary will be treated by County Council's contractors and others, outside the city, will be treated by the City Council's contractor.

When we grit

Gritting usually takes place overnight. When snow or icy road conditions are forecast with a high degree of confidence, the gritting routes will be precautionary treated. Post-treatment will take place if snow or ice is still present following precautionary treatment.

Precautionary treatment of certain footways around the city centre and the pedestrianised areas will take place if either snow has been forecast, or if freezing conditions occur immediately following rain. If snow levels build up to greater than 30mm, snow ploughs will be used.

Grit bins

There are currently over 80 grit bins around the city, located predominantly in areas on exposed or higher ground and not on the gritting routes. These are restocked at regular intervals by our partners Carillion. However, if a grit bin needs to be restocked, please contact us using the details given at the top of this page.

As grit bins are subject to vandalism and misuse they are only provided if there is a genuine need. Requests for the provision of grit bins at new locations are assessed against various criteria and only provided if full justification can be shown.

Useful information

• Only travel if your journey is necessary - could you use public transport instead?
• Check the internet, television, teletext or listen to local radio for the latest weather and travel information
• When driving in snow or icy conditions, slow down and ensure your stopping distance is suitable for the traffic speed and weather conditions. Steer gently and avoid harsh braking or sudden manoeuvres as these could cause loss of control
• Allow more time for your journey
• Ensure your windows and mirrors are free from snow, frost and ice, use a suitable de-icing solution in your windscreen washer fluid and check the levels frequently
• Make sure your wiper blades aren’t worn, so you can keep your windscreen as clean as possible, and remove any snow that might fall off into the path of other road users
• You will need more tyre tread in wet or icy conditions. Ensure that your tyres are inflated to the manufacturers’ recommended pressures and have at least 3mm of tread depth
• Check your lights are clean and in working order and use dipped headlights if driving during snowfall
• Get a garage to check your car battery is in a good condition and also check the level and strength of the antifreeze in your vehicle's radiator
• If going on a long journey take a shovel, torch, Wellington boots, warm clothing, food and a hot drink
• If you break down try and get your car to a safe place off the carriageway. If this is not possible or if you get stuck in snow, it may be safer to leave your vehicle. If so, stand a safe distance away, but make sure that you are visible to other road users whilst waiting for assistance. If possible keep your sidelights on if it is dark or if the visibility is poor and do not stand (or let anybody else stand) between your vehicle and oncoming traffic.

Information on general traffic and weather conditions can also be obtained from your local radio stations:

• BBC Radio Derby FM 95.3, 96.0, 104.5; MW 1116
• BBC Radio Nottingham FM 95.5, 103.8, MW 1584
• BBC GM FM 95.1, 104.6
• Ram FM 102.8
• Saga 106.6 FM 101.4, 106.6

You can also contact:

• AA Roadwatch - 01850 542 542
• Weather Watch - 09003 401 100 (Mobile No 401 100)
• RAC Traffic Information - 0906 470 1740 (Mobile No 1740)