Winter road management

View gritting routes

We grit priority roads when road temperatures drop to around 0.5°C. This includes:

  • all A and B roads
  • at least one route from each of the county’s main villages
  • where possible, at least one road within 500m of all primary and secondary schools
  • roads linking all main NHS hospitals, train and bus stations
  • additional public service and school bus routes depending on various risk factors, such as historical accident data, pupil numbers and geographical risk factors

View gritting routes

During prolonged snowfall, we fit ploughs to our gritters. We may also call upon farmers and contractors to assist with snow clearing.

If you would like to assist, apply to help with snow clearing.

When we grit

From October to April, we work with the Met Office to monitor weather conditions around the clock. Our 43 gritting crews are on-call 24/7.

We grit based on weather forecasts, road surface temperature and dampness, air temperature and humidity.

When we grit, we try to do so either before the ice has set or once the snow has settled. Be aware that high-purity white salt is not always visible on the road.

Why roads might still be icy

This can be because:

  • it takes time for the salt to take effect
  • high winds or sudden rain can take the salt off the road
  • if the road surface temperature drops below -7°C gritting is less effective
  • if the road surface temperature drops below -15°C, gritting doesn’t work at all

For updates on our gritting operations, follow @LincsCC_roads on Twitter.

The standards, policies and objectives of winter salting and maintenance of our roads and footways are available in our Winter service plan.

Grit bins

We provide grit bins for residents to use on public paths and roads. If you find one is running low, you can request a refill.

We do not routinely grit or salt footpaths. During severe weather, we work with many local organisations to clear some steep and well-used pavements.

Grit bin locations

Request a grit bin refill

New grit bin requests

If you are a business, parish council or residents’ association request a grit bin by calling 01522 782070.

We will only approve a request for a new grit bin if we believe it will be in a suitable spot. It must also benefit as many people as possible.

The standards, policies and objectives of winter salting and maintenance of our roads and footways are available in our Winter service plan.

Apply to help with snow clearing

We want help from anyone who has the equipment to clear the roads when it snows.

You can be one driver and machine or own a business with a fleet of vehicles.

You must have machinery that can move snow without damaging the road, such as:

  • tractors, preferably with snowplough attachments 
  • large digging equipment
  • You must have people trained to use the machinery and be able to communicate via phone. You must also have public liability insurance up to £5 million.

When there is heavy snow, we will tell you where we need help. We will reimburse you for your time to the cost that you quote, providing it is reasonable. 

Some years, there may be no work if the weather is not severe. 

Before you apply, you will need to tell us about your:

  • equipment
  • prices
  • public liability insurance (up to at least £5 million)

For payment purposes, you will also need to provide, on company letterheaded paper, your:

  • Company name, address, telephone number and email
  • Bank account details
  • Company and VAT Registration number if applicable

Apply to help with snow clearing