Highways Bulletin: Keeping Roads Safe in Winter Weather

Published on: 13 Jan, 2026
Updated on: 13 Jan, 2026

The information for this bulletin comes from Surrey County Council and is written by them.

Report potholes and highway issues here.

Staying Safe on Surrey’s Roads This Winter

We understand that winter weather can be frustrating, especially when roads feel icy or travel is disrupted. Our teams work around the clock to reduce risk and keep Surrey moving, but winter conditions can be complex and challenging.

Our Winter Service runs from October to April (and longer if cold weather continues). It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and includes road gritting, snow ploughing and maintaining grit bins at priority locations.

When forecasts show a risk of ice or snow, our gritters are deployed. We manage around 10,000 tonnes of grit, operate 38 gritters and two mini gritters, and during a single run can treat around 1,775 miles of Priority 1 roads. However, Surrey has around 3,000 miles of roads, so not every road can be treated at the same time.

How decisions are made

Before gritting, our teams carefully assess detailed information, including weather forecasts, ice prediction systems, roadside weather stations and road temperature sensors. Road temperatures can differ from air temperatures, so this data helps us target treatment where it is most needed. We also consider whether roads are wet or dry, whether rain could wash grit away, and if previous treatments are still effective.

Why roads may still be icy

Grit does not work instantly. It lowers the freezing point of water and needs traffic to help spread and activate it. In very cold weather (below -5°C), during heavy snowfall, or when rain washes grit away, roads can still become icy.

Which roads are treated

To make best use of resources, roads are prioritised. Main routes and high-risk roads are treated first. Residential roads, footways, car parks and private land are not routinely gritted unless they are on the priority network. Treated routes can be viewed on the Surrey Winter Online Map.

Grit bins and footways

Grit bins are provided at selected locations for use on public roads and footways only. Using grit on private property can reduce availability when it is most needed.

Our teams continue to monitor conditions closely and respond as safely and quickly as possible.

For more information on our winter service – Gritting, winter service and snow – Surrey County Council

For details of roadworks in the Guildford area please click here.