For information on the
latest gritting situation
visit the
MGWSP website(see their news section on the right hand side)
Which roads are salted?
The road network has been divided into 4 levels of a hierarchy in order to prioritise treatment of ice and/or snow.
The top 2 priority networks (P1 and P2), which generally comprise all A roads together with certain B roads and other roads, will receive precautionary treatment if ice and/or snow are forecast. Very occasionally, depending on the weather it may be necessary to treat only the top priority (P1) network, which are all of the A roads, before moving onto the P2 network.
The next priority network (P3) comprises certain links to villages not on the precautionary network, and certain bus routes and industrial estates.
To view the area around a specific location enter the postcode in the top box on the left hand side of the web page and then click on "Find".
Where the forecast weather is that conditions are unlikely to improve for at least 48 hours, that is the temperature is unlikely to rise above freezing within that period, salting will be carried out on the Priority 3 (P3) network if Priority 1 and 2 (P1 and P2) networks do not require treatment.
On the remainder of the road network (P4) certain roads may be salted if spreaders and manpower are not required on higher priority roads.
You can download the "Safer Winter Driving in Northamptonshire" leaflet below:
Please note
Very occasionally salting arrangements will not go to plan, so you should never assume that a road has been treated but should drive in accordance with the prevailing conditions.
Please remember that the majority of minor roads will receive no treatment at all.
When are they salted?
The aim is to treat Priority 1 and 2 (P1 and P2) roads before the morning peak traffic time, though the target time for action otherwise depends on forecast and conditions.
We receive a daily specialised winter weather forecasting service based on local information from the ice prediction system and outstations around the county.
The forecast gives predictions of the possibility of freezing road temperatures, snow etc, and the time those conditions may occur.
In addition, throughout the winter season when temperatures are marginal inspectors patrol certain routes to check the accuracy of the forecast by measuring road surface temperatures. This enables decisions to be made if, or when salting is necessary.
Daily updates of the salting decision can be obtained by calling 01604 883488.
Salt bins
How many salt bins are in the county?
There are currently in excess of 1700 salt bins throughout the county. In areas not normally subject to precautionary treatment, at hilly, exposed locations and potentially dangerous road junctions.
How do we get ours restocked?
They are restocked with salt when needed. If you require your salt bin to be restocked please report it using our online streetdoctor reporting system or call 0845 601 1113.
Can we request a salt bin?
Requests for provision of a salt bin are assessed and the location judged against the following criteria:
- at sharp or difficult bends
- junctions where there is an approach on a gradient from the side road
- on particularly steep gradients elsewhere (of 10% of greater)
- at known problem sites
- not on roads included in the the precautionary treatment network
Can a salt bin be removed?
Often salt bins become the focus of vandalism or the meeting place for youths. If this becomes an unbearable nuisance, a request for the bin to be removed can be made.
The agreement of other residents in the area, often the local council, would be needed before the facility is withdrawn.
Are pedestrian routes salted?
In very severe weather conditions, especially when snow or ice may remain for some days, consideration is given, in priority order, to the treatment of pedestrian routes.
Cross-border arrangements
We have arranged reciprocal agreements with some adjacent Authorities whereby they will carry out precautionary treatment on certain roads in Northamptonshire and vice versa.
These roads are treated on the decision of the salting Authority and thus there may be a difference in the timing of the treatment.
This arrangement has allowed greater efficiency in the winter service operation and permits a more extensive network to be treated.