Wakefield ready for winter as gritting season begins
Thursday, November 12, 2026
From November to early April, teams from across the Council will provide a 24/7 winter service, responding to changing weather conditions and treating priority routes when frost, ice and snow are forecast.
“Our gritting team do an important job throughout the winter. Often heading out late at night or early in the morning and working in difficult conditions.
“Their work helps keep key routes open for residents, businesses and the emergency services. In advance, I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and commitment throughout the winter months. We ask residents to be considerate and respectful towards our teams as they carry out this vital work.”
Cllr Keith Anderson
Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Planning
This season, the team has around 3,200 tonnes of grit ready to use, with 13 gritting vehicles available to treat more than 609km of priority routes across the district.
Weather stations help the team closely monitor conditions and decide where and when treatment is needed. Allowing the team to respond quickly as temperatures fall.
During severe weather, the busiest main roads are given priority, to support public transport services and emergency response routes. Including routes providing direct access to hospitals, fire and ambulance stations. Once these have been treated, teams will also cover other roads including bus routes and steeper roads.
Ahead of winter, 402 grit bins across the district have also been restocked. Residents can find out more about grit bins and see the Council’s gritting routes at: Gritting in Wakefield - Wakefield Council
Residents can also help their local community during the winter months by becoming a volunteer Snow Patroller.
Snow Patrollers help clear snow and ice from side streets providing extra support to neighbours and vulnerable residents. Volunteers are provided with grit, gloves and a high-vis jacket. To sign up to become a Snow Patroller, visit: Snow patrollers - Wakefield Council