As overnight temperatures have dropped, Sefton Council’s gritting teams have been in action on a regular basis.

Over the past five days gritting has been carried out on over 2,000 miles of roads in Sefton, as well as footways in key town centres.

Early hours

T work most effectively, grit or salt spreading to help prevent the build-up of ice usually takes place in the late evening or early hours of the morning when most people are at home. However,  treatment can happen at any of day it is needed.

The weather situation is monitored 24 hours a day and once we become aware of potentially freezing conditions, our contractors are immediately mobilised to begin a carriageway treatment process.

Busiest routes

Almost 470km of roads and pavements across the Borough are treated. The busiest routes and areas are targeted to benefit as many people as possible and to keep the Borough moving.

Grit works most effectively in conjunction with significant volumes of traffic, which is why it is usually put down ahead of the morning rush hour.  Busier roads tend to clearer more quickly than those roads used by less traffic. However, during extended periods of sub-zero temperatures or heavy snowfall, the effectiveness of gritting can be partially diminished. 

Since 2020, gritting in Sefton has operated from the Council’s award-winning new ‘Winter Hub’. Located in Netherton, the ‘Hub’ has space for 3,500 tonnes of salt.

Widespread programme

Cllr John Fairclough, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Locality Services, said: “Once again, we will be feeling the benefit of the Winter Hub as we undertake our widespread gritting programme to keep drivers and pedestrian across the Borough safe.

“However, during very cold conditions we do still advise everyone to take extra care when out and about and to remember that untreated side roads and pathways may still be icy.”

“We would also encourage residents to check in on elderly or isolated neighbours to make sure they are ok and are fully prepared for any potential adverse weather conditions.

“We would also remind anyone worried about keeping warm and paying their heating bills that information about Sefton’s network of Warm Spaces can be found at https://seftoncvs.org.uk/warmspaces.”

People can find details of which roads and pavements across Sefton are treated here.