Dorset ready for winter with gritters on standby across the county

More than 12,000 tonnes of salt have been stocked up, and gritting teams are on round-the-clock standby as Dorset Council prepares for the 2026/27 winter season.

A fleet of gritting vehicles and more than 50 highways staff are ready to leave from depots across Dorset, as soon as frost, ice and snow conditions are predicted.

They are supported by specialist weather forecasting technology to help the crews identify where conditions are most likely to affect the road network and how best to respond.

Gritting crews are sent out when temperatures fall below the council's treatment threshold of 0.5°C.

Enough salt is stored to enable Dorset Council to respond to prolonged periods of severe winter weather, while trained highways teams stand ready to keep key routes open and help residents, businesses and visitors travel safely across the county.

Salt bins across Dorset are currently being re-stocked ahead of winter and the council also works with specialist contractors to provide additional support with tree clearance and snow removal during severe weather.

Cllr Jack Jeanes, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: "Our priority is keeping Dorset moving safely throughout the winter. We have experienced highways teams on standby around the clock, supported by a fleet of gritting vehicles, specialist equipment ready to be deployed whenever conditions require it.

"Using detailed weather forecasting, we can respond quickly to changing conditions and focus our efforts on the routes that are most important for keeping communities connected and essential services accessible.

"Our teams do much more than gritting. They also respond to flooding, fallen trees, road traffic collisions and other weather-related emergencies, helping to keep Dorset moving during the winter months."

Dorset's winter service network includes 23 primary routes covering more than 1,000 kilometres of A and B roads. These routes provide vital links between major towns and villages, hospitals, schools, businesses and other key services across the county.

The council also maintains 10 community link routes serving smaller villages and hamlets. These additional routes are treated during prolonged periods of cold weather or when snowfall is forecast, helping to keep rural communities connected.

By combining experienced crews, advanced weather forecasting and targeted treatments, the council can respond quickly to changing conditions while reducing unnecessary vehicle journeys, minimising salt use and lowering carbon emissions.

While salting significantly reduces the risk of ice forming on treated routes, it cannot always prevent icy conditions during extreme weather or periods of heavy rainfall. Drivers are urged to continue taking extra care during cold weather.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Check weather forecasts before travelling.
• Allow extra time for journeys.
• Ensure vehicles are winter ready.

Drivers are also asked to be patient if they encounter gritting operations, as crews work to keep the network safe and accessible.

People can follow gritting decisions and severe weather updates via Dorset Council's website, WhatsApp channel and social media accounts.

For further information on gritting routes and winter services, visit:

• Gritting routes map - Dorset Council
• See how you can be ready for winter in Dorset