Snow clearance

Snow clearance involves the mobilisation of resources all aimed at clearing roads affected in the shortest time possible.

Snow ploughing commences generally when 50mm or more of snow has fallen and snow continues to fall. Our aim is to salt our priority A network ( see Winter Maintenance Salting Routes |) before snow starts falling however this is not always possible, for example when rain turns to snow.

We then clear this priority network of snow, as soon as conditions permit, and clearance work will continue as necessary even if that means operating 24/7.

We have to ensure that this priority network is clear and traffic is running safely before we start to clear other more minor roads, that is the Priority B network. This may mean that in extreme conditions many small roads will receive little or no snow clearance before it starts to thaw.

In certain extreme conditions it may be necessary to spread a mixture of salt and grit to achieve traction, particularly in the case of compacted snow.

Bedfordshire Highways has 20 gritters that can plough snow plus we have the additional resource of over 60 farmers and plant hire companies that can assist us in an emergency .

The average cost of clearing snow in Bedfordshire can amount to over £30,000 for each 24 hour period.

Please also view our Winter Maintenance Salting Routes page|

Highways Helpdesk
Bedfordshire County Council
6th Floor
County Hall
Bedford
MK42 9AP

Tel: (01234) 228661
Email: highways@bedscc.gov.uk |