Powys residents are being encouraged to check the updated winter service arrangements in their area before colder weather arrives, as revised winter service routes come into operation across the county this winter.
The routes have been reviewed through a consistent, transparent and evidence-led approach, taking into account traffic volumes, public transport links, access to key services, schools, medical centres, emergency service locations and wider community needs.
Councillor Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, said:
“Our priority is to provide a winter service that is fair, consistent and focused on keeping people, communities and essential services moving safely during frost, ice and snow.
“The review has allowed us to reassess the network using current national guidance, local engagement and operational testing. The revised routes prioritise roads used by the greatest number of people, access to key services and connections between communities.
“Not every road can be routinely treated, and a gritted road is not guaranteed to be ice-free. Winter driving can be more hazardous, so residents are advised to check weather conditions and the latest gritting information online before travelling, and to always drive according to the road conditions.”
Additional salt bins have been installed at locations identified through the winter service routes review process, and existing bins have been checked and replenished as part of normal winter-readiness activity.
Precautionary gritting remains focused on keeping key routes available during periods of frost, ice and snow. Highways teams will continue to respond to severe weather conditions throughout the winter, with snow clearance arrangements remaining unchanged.
The wider winter service also includes treatment of key pedestrian locations, salt-bin provision and replenishment, and emergency response during severe weather.
Cllr Charlton added:
“The revised approach supports a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys by providing a consistent county-wide approach to winter maintenance, strengthening local resilience and helping communities prepare for severe weather.”
