Three gritters are on standby to keep people moving in the winter months in Brighton and Hove, the council said today (Thursday 29 October).
But there can be no guarantee that roads remain completely free of ice and snow, Brighton and Hove City Council warned.
Priority is given to main roads, bus routes and those serving hospitals, the emergency services and schools, the council said.
The gritter crews are ready to go around the clock from the start of November to the end of March although the short-term forecast is relatively mild.
The council said today: “As temperatures begin to fall and winter approaches, Brighton and Hove’s gritting teams are once again ready to help keep the city moving safely.
“From Sunday (1 November), our winter service will be operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with crews and three gritters on standby through to the end of March 2027.
“Using a network of road temperature sensors across the city alongside the latest detailed weather forecasts, teams can monitor conditions around the clock and plan treatments in advance of freezing temperatures, frost and icy conditions.
“Around 300 tonnes of grit are currently stored and ready for use, with additional supplies available if needed during periods of prolonged cold weather.
“We treat approximately 156 miles of Brighton and Hove’s road network, focusing on priority routes including key bus corridors, major roads and routes serving hospitals, emergency services, schools and the city centre.
“While gritting significantly reduces the risk of ice forming, it cannot guarantee roads will remain completely free of ice and snow.
“Grit works most effectively when traffic helps spread it across the road surface, preventing water from freezing.”
Labour councillor Trevor Muten, the council’s cabinet member for transport and city infrastructure, said: “Our winter service plays a vital role in helping people travel safely and keeping Brighton and Hove moving during the colder months.
“By combining real-time temperature monitoring with the latest forecasting technology, we’re able to make informed decisions about when and where to grit, helping us respond quickly when cold weather is on the way.
“Our teams are prepared around the clock throughout the winter season and we’ve reviewed our plans to make sure our routes, equipment and supplies are ready for whatever the weather brings.
“But everyone has a part to play. I’d encourage drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to take extra care when conditions are cold and icy so we can all stay safe this winter.”
The council added: “Looking after the city’s roads is only part of the winter operation. Brighton and Hove has more than 1,000km of pavements and around 400 public grit bins available for residents to use during icy weather.
“Ahead of the winter season, grit bins will be inspected and topped up where required. They will continue to be checked and refilled throughout the winter depending on weather conditions and demand.
“Residents who notice a grit bin running low, damaged or in need of attention can report it online or contact the council’s highways team.
“In the event of severe winter weather, additional contractors are available to support snow clearance and pavement gritting on essential routes, including areas around hospitals, schools, care facilities and other key public services.
“As always, preparations are focused on keeping Brighton and Hove moving, whatever the winter weather has in store.”
