The information on this page is presented in the format of frequently asked questions. Please click a question from the index below to see the appropriate answer.
Is the council responsible for gritting the roads during bad weather?
Slough Borough Council highways provide a winter service in order to facilitate a safer travelling environment for all highway users and to minimise disruption to road users especially where this may have a negative economic impact. The ‘highway’ denotes the network of roads, footpaths and cycleways across the Borough that fall within the responsibility of the highway authority.
Given the scale of financial and other resources involved in delivering the winter service it is not practically possible either to:
NOTE: Salting and snow clearance on motorways and trunk roads is the responsibility of the Highways Agency and not Slough Borough Council. The winter service is available throughout the year but is put on standby from the third week of November to the last week of April.
When does the council grit the roads?
The winter service is available throughout the year but is put on standby from the third week of November to the last week of April. Using input of weather forecasts from the Met Office, the borough's consultants will decide whether to grit or send out the snow clearers.
Where does the council grit the roads?
Given the scale of financial and other resources involved in delivering the winter service it is not practically possible either to:
The council prioritises the roads and footpaths for salting and clearing according to criteria set out in the winter service plan (basically the trunk roads first, and linkage to emergency services, and the down to the minor local access roads). The roads are listed in the plan.
Are pedestrian routes gritted?
Footpaths are prioritised for salting and clearing according to their location and volume of traffic. Footways and cycle ways are not normally pre-salted unless there's prolonged severe weather. The list of town centre routes to cleared of snow are in the winter service plan.
Does the council provide grit bins?
Salt bins are provided throughout the borough and are repaired and replenished throughout the winter period as necessary. At the end of the winter, all salt bins are collected, salt returned to the stockpile and the bins cleaned and stored away during the summer months.
The criteria for provision of salt bins which was proposed at the former Berkshire County Council's Waste Disposal Sub Committee meeting held on 8 May 1991 is as follows:
(i) The bin should not be sited on a primary salting route unless it is intended for use on an adjoining road which is not on the route.
(ii) Only sited where there is a steep and/or hazardous gradient, and where there are occupied buildings nearby.
(iii) If it is possible for a lorry to gain access in order to install bin and fill with salt, then location near subway or footbridge is acceptable.
(iv) In cases of special needs. This criteria has been adopted by the Slough Borough Council.
Can a Grit Bin be removed?
Please see More information on the winter service plan
Can I request a section of road to be gritted?
Please see: More information on the winter service plan
For all enquiries please contact the Customer Service Centre
01753 475111
My Council
Landmark Place
High Street
Slough
opposite Slough Library
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