We take a risk-based approach to gritting. We make sure that priority roads are kept clear and safe for road users.

These priority roads are usually:

  • main transport routes
  • areas outside schools
  • GP surgeries and health centres
  • high streets
  • care homes

We'll make sure that these are the first roads to be gritted.

We also work with our recycling and waste collections team to try and grit roads where collections are due to take place.

All red routes in the borough are the responsibility of Transport for London (TfL). They will be gritted by them.

Map of our gritting routes and grit bins

How we grit roads

When we receive advice from the Met Office that severe weather is on its way, we'll do precautionary gritting. This helps prevent ice forming at all.

If we have a snow fall, then further gritting will take place. This helps melt the snow and ice that has already formed.

We'll remove heavy snowfall from the highways and footways.

We have:

  • 3 large gritting vehicles which we use to make sure our priority routes are passable
  • 2 gritting trailers which we used to grit areas more difficult to access
  • hand-held gritters for the pavements and roads that the vehicles can't reach