Gritting
We carry out precautionary gritting when the road surface temperature is forecast to fall below 0°C and there's a risk of ice and snow.
Roads are gritted in the following order:
- roads with a steep slope and generally north facing
- roads part of the minimum road network of Greater London Authority that is kept open to allow essential services to operate (Resilience Network)
- priority roads in and out of the borough and main bus routes
- all other roads
- certain pedestrian locations (see Winter Service Policy & Plan for locations)
- C10 Cycle route only (location info can be found in our Winter Service Policy & Plan)
Salt bins are provided across the borough, particularly in areas difficult to access in icy conditions, allowing residents and passing motorists to treat the carriageway and footway within the area.
We do not usually provide salt to private individuals or businesses. Rock salt can be obtained from some builders’ merchants and DIY stores.
The following is advice on how to use salt effectively to deal with icy conditions.
Tips for salting paths effectively include:
- sprinkle salt on paths when a freeze is coming to stop them from getting icy
- don’t use boiling water to melt ice as it can refreeze
- if it has snowed, put salt over the first layer of snow
- the best time to put down salt is in the evening before the ice arrives
- use about a tablespoon of salt per square metre
- avoid getting salt on plants and trees
- give your steps and any steep areas extra attention
- look out for salt bins; they are for you to use on your road as our gritters only cover the busier roads
You can read more by downloading our winter service plan (PDF, 1.8mb).
Map of Southwark gritting routes
Page last updated: 22 March 2023
