More than 12,000 tonnes of salt are ready across Dorset, with crews and gritters on standby for frost, ice and snow as staff prepare to keep key routes open. Gritting teams are on standby across Dorset as the county prepares for winter weather. More than 12,000 tonnes of salt have been stored, with gritting vehicles and more than 50 highways staff ready to leave depots when frost, ice or snow is forecast. Specialist weather forecasting will help crews target affected roads. Gritters are sent out when temperatures fall below the council’s treatment threshold of 0.5°C. Councillor Jack Jeanes
Gritting teams are on standby across Dorset as the county prepares for winter weather.
More than 12,000 tonnes of salt have been stored, with gritting vehicles and more than 50 highways staff ready to leave depots when frost, ice or snow is forecast.
Specialist weather forecasting will help crews target affected roads. Gritters are sent out when temperatures fall below the council’s treatment threshold of 0.5°C.
Councillor Jack Jeanes, cabinet member for place services, said the priority is “keeping Dorset moving safely” through winter. He said crews can focus on routes which keep “communities connected” and services accessible.
The winter service network includes 23 primary routes covering more than 1,000 kilometres of A and B roads, which link towns, villages, hospitals, schools and businesses.
Another 10 community link routes can be treated during longer cold spells or when snow is forecast. Salt bins are being restocked, and contractors can support tree clearance and snow removal.
Drivers are being asked to check forecasts, allow extra journey time and make sure vehicles are winter ready. The council says salting cannot always prevent icy conditions.
