Every year we spend more than Ā£1 million on the winter maintenance of trunk and county roads. The roads are salted when there is a risk of ice, and during severe weather, cleared of snow so far as is possible. The aim is to reduce the risk to motorists in what can sometimes be appalling conditions. Approximately 30% of roads are treated as a priority when weather conditions demand it.
We have a fleet of 21 gritter lorries with highly trained drivers which will treat around a third of the 3,526 kilometres of roads in the county when necessary. We have approximately 14,000 tonnes of salt in stock, most of which are stored under cover in Salt Barns in strategic locations across the county.
Our staff are on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to respond to the changing weather and road conditions. Around 1040 kilometres of roads across Carmarthenshire can be treated within three hours of a bad weather warning.
The first priority is given to trunk and principal routes: this includes roads leading to hospitals, ambulance stations, fire stations, railway stations, bus garages, important bus routes, strategic commuter routes, slip roads, and other important distributor routes.
In extreme conditions, secondary priority is given to important commuter routes, shopping streets, historically problematic sections (not on the first priority routes) and other bus routes.
We have been appointed by The South Wales Trunk Road Agent to treat trunk roads within Carmarthenshire and 100% of trunk roads are treated when winter conditions demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you have a grit bin?
We currently have 1,100 grit bins across the county. We do not provide additional grit bins, but we do work with town and community councils and residentsā associations to review the locations of grit bins. We inspect and fill all of our grit bins in the autumn. If there is snow, the bins will only be re-filled if staff and equipment become available to undertake the work.
The salt should be used very sparingly, as it does not aid grip but is supplied to assist in preventing the formation of ice and melting of snow. It is provided for use only on public roads and pavements, and should not be used or transported anywhere else. We do not refill grit bins on demand.
Why donāt we grit pavements?
We donāt routinely salt footpaths or pavements. We have to prioritise major roads rather than pavements to prevent the most serious accidents. Hand salting of pavements will only be carried out if staff and equipment become available, with pavements in main shopping areas and busy urban areas treated as a priority. We encourage householders and businesses to help themselves by clearing snow and ice from public areas near their properties.
More information can be found on:Ā https://www.carmarthenshire.gov.wales/home/council-services/travel-roads-parking/gritting/#.XfOARfynwdU
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