Norfolk Gears Up for Winter: Tonnes of Salt and Cutting-Edge Gritters on Standby

With the arrival of winter just around the corner, the Norfolk County Council is preparing for the season's first icy spell. As of October 20th, 2025, the council's seven salt barns are being filled with a total of around 21,000 tonnes of grit, each barn capable of holding 3,000 tonnes.

The council's fleet of 60 gritters is on standby, ready to cover the county's 145,000 miles of roads and spread 14,800 tonnes of salt. Nick Preston, who manages the gritting rota, explains that the council has invested in 45 new gritters in the past couple of years, each one equipped with advanced technology to keep the roads ice-free.

The new gritters can be programmed remotely, allowing the drivers to focus more on the driving element, especially in dangerous conditions. The salt dispersal is also automated, ensuring the right amount is applied at the right time. This helps keep the drivers safe as they navigate the treacherous winter roads.

As the temperature drops, usually in mid-November, the council's team receives weather forecasts that highlight potential hazards like hoar frost and snow. They then work to pre-treat the roads before the ice forms, with each gritting route taking around three hours to complete.