Gritting in icy weather
This is known as the Primary Gritting Route, which includes:
- principal roads
- locally strategic roads
- main bus routes
- steep hills
When snow or extreme cold is expected, gritting is extended to additional roads know as Secondary Gritting Routes, covering:
- medium-use roads
- roads of some strategic importance
Together, these routes cover almost 50% of the borough’s road network.
To check if your road is part of the priority network use the interactive map selecting the transport layer or view the road gritting map.
Footways
Footways are not routinely treated. Gritting of footways only occurs when snow has accumulated. Salting will then be carried out by our Cleansing Team in the following areas:
- hospitals
- medical centres
- town centres
- key public transport interchanges and links
- primary and secondary schools
Red routes
Transport for London (TfL) is responsible for gritting the main trunk roads in the borough (known as red routes), such as the A2, A21, and the South Circular.
Water leaks
Where there has been a water leak, Thames Water or their contractors, are responsible for managing this hazard as appropriate.
Report a road or footpath
If your road has not been salted during cold weather, it means it is not part of a priority route. If you believe a road is dangerous due to ice or snow, please report it to us.
Winter Service Plan
The Winter Service Plan sets out a risk‑based approach to keeping highways safe in winter, focusing on key routes and high‑risk areas for gritting and snow clearance. It defines operational roles, contingency plans, and processes for forecasting, decision‑making, and resource management to ensure effective treatment of roads and footways in severe conditions.
Pdf, 875.4KB
Frequently asked questions
Why aren’t all roads gritted?
Lewisham’s road network has approximately 400km of carriageway and 800km of footway. Treating every road is not feasible. The winter service network is designed to provide the greatest benefit to the maximum number of road users and residents.
Why does snow cause disruption even when forecast?
Salt needs activation. Gritting works best when vehicles drive over treated roads, mixing salt and snow to form brine that prevents ice bonding.
Traffic flow stops in heavy snow. When snowfall is intense, traffic slows or halts, meaning salt cannot be properly activated. Snow then settles and compacts, making roads slippery.
Gritters cannot be everywhere at once. In severe weather and resulting traffic congestion, route treatment times can increase significantly allowing snow to accumulate.
Heavy or prolonged snowfall can overwhelm pre-treatment, especially if temperatures drop quickly, reducing salt effectiveness.
Even accurate forecasts cannot fully predict localised variations in snowfall intensity or timing, which affect response planning.
Why doesn’t the Council supply grit bins?
Grit bins were removed several years ago due to vandalism, theft, and dangerous items (such as sharps) being left inside.
What can I do to help clear snow and ice?
Helpful advice is available in the Self-Help Guidance section of the Winter Service Plan.