It may seem like summer was only a few ago but winter is almost here. Are you prepared for the cold weather?  

As usual, we have been replenishing our salt barn at our Stores Road Depot ready to grit the roads. We currently have 3000 tons of molasses covered salt ready to keep Derby roads from freezing and becoming unsafe during the cold weather.   

It's important to remember that a little grit goes a long way. Just a pinch (7 grams per square meter to be exact) is enough to do the job! An area does not need to be completely brown with grit in order make a surface safe. If you are thinking of using a grit bin remember to take only what you need to make sure there is plenty for others in your community to use. 

Our main fleet of four gritters all have technology, which automatically salts the route, whilst the driver focuses on driving. You may have seen them around the city last year! Hogzilla, the Multi-hog is also part of our gritting team. So, when Hogzilla isn’t busy helping to repair roads, it will be keeping busy footways such as City Centre and outside Royal Derby Hospital free from ice and snow using special liquid de-icing solution. 

If we’re going out gritting, we’ll share updates on Facebook and X using the hashtag #GrittingDerby to keep you up-to-date; so make sure to follow us to keep in the loop. 

We also share our gritting information with our neighbours at Derbyshire County Council and National Highways. However, timings of gritting may vary as you travel around the country. So please do not take it for granted that if Derby’s roads have been gritted, that roads in neighbouring areas have also been gritted or vice versa. 

Councillor Baggy Shanker, Leader of Derby City Council, said:

Yet again our fantastic teams are getting ready to start gritting in Derby. While most of us are nice and warm at home, our gritters are out on the streets making sure that the roads are safe for all. Our gritting teams deserve a huge thanks for the difference they make to our lives every year. 

If you are out on the roads whilst we are gritting, please be patient whilst we are making the roads safer.” 

Whilst we are ready to do what we can to keep Derby streets safe this winter, there are things that you can do to keep yourself and your family safe as well!  

Prepare for a power cut – Consider getting yourself a mobile battery charger so that if your power is cut for any reason over the winter period, you are still able to charge your phone.  

Stock the shelves – It’s important to make sure that you have basic supplies such as water, a working torch, batteries, a first aid kit and you write down important emergency numbers that you may need if something happens. 

Make sure your vehicle is safe – If you have a vehicle, check that you have a screen wash that works in the cold conditions. Also check that your tyres are road safe and that you have an emergency winter kit in the back of your car. It is recommended that your winter kit contain any medication you may need, a torch, hats, gloves, scarfs, a blanket, a first aid kit, portable phone charge, jump leads and some snacks and drinks. 

Winter proof your home – Check that your heating and plumbing are serviced and working before the cold weather really starts to set in. It is also worth checking that things like fencing and your roof are safe and secured in preparation for any strong winter wind that may blow through. You can find out more about keeping your home warm, on our website. 

Look out for your neighbours – We should all look out for those in our community who may be vulnerable during the winter months. A little bit of help getting supplies or information can go a long way in helping people through winter.  

It is important that we all make a note of the below phone numbers that we can use in the event of an emergency: 

  • If there is a genuine emergency, it is important to remember to call 999. 
  • If you would like medical advice but it is not an emergency, you can call 111 or use NHS 111 online.
  • To report a minor crime where no one is in immediate danger, you can call 101 or you can report the crime online.
  • In the event of a power cut, call 105 to speak to your local network operator.

For more information about gritting, grit bins and advice for driving in icy and snowy conditions visit our website.