Road gritting and snow clearance

In bad winter weather conditions, we aim to ensure the safe movement of all highway users on designated roads throughout the district, whilst keeping delays and accidents to a minimum.

We've created a  Winter Service Plan [6MB] , and safer driving guidance. These explain what we do when ice and snow is forecast and what road users can do to help.

You can also report problems with ice, snow or salt bins online.
 

We do not manage the M4 and A34 - they are managed by National Highways.

Private or unadopted roads or streets are not maintained at public expense, and so are not covered by any West Berkshire Council winter service plans.

Treatment routes

From November to the end of March, we monitor the weather to identify when gritting and/or snow clearance is required. Where possible, treatment is carried out either before the morning rush hour or after the evening rush hour.
 

We have four treatment routes (click the links to see a map of each route):

• primary gritting routes: class A and B roads (and some busier lower class roads) that are treated when frost or ice is forecast on the road surface
• secondary gritting routes: well-used routes connecting lower populated areas, treated when frost or ice is forecast for an unbroken period of 72 hours or more
• snow clearance road and footpath network: strategic routes, roads accessing key facilities and other transport needs treated before, and where appropriate after, snowfall
• contingency clearance road network: strategic routes, roads accessing key facilities and other transport needs treated when salt stocks available to the public are scarce, and/or when directed to by the government

We are unable to treat any private footpaths, parking areas, accesses or similar. Private owners should arrange to treat these areas themselves.

You can buy rock salt or gritting salt from many DIY stores or builders merchants, including B&Q, Wickes, Jewson and Travis Perkins.

Gritting and clearing snow and ice yourself

The government have produced guidance on clearing snow and ice from pavements yourself.

You can also read Appendix Q of our Winter Service Policy and Plan for further information.

There are roadside salt bins across the district for communities to treat the road and path in front of their properties and other areas of the highway. You can report a damaged or empty salt bin online.

We will publish updates about the status of our winter services on our Facebook and Twitter.