www.wiltshire.gov.uk
What you can do to help yourself
Self-help
We supply and maintain some 700 salt bins distributed throughout the county. They are available for both residents and the travelling public. If you require further details, please contact your parish or town council.
In recent years, the typical winter weather pattern in Wiltshire has been mild, bringing with it more heavy rain, including summer storms; fog and high winds.
Because of this, few motorists have had experience driving in snow or icy conditions and new motorists may also lack experience in driving in these other difficult conditions.
We endeavour to maintain our winter preparations for salting the county’s road network, but our actions will never meet the assumptions and aspirations of the public.
As a road user (motorist or pedestrian), you will have a responsibility to yourself, your passengers and other road users. Here are some suggestions as to what you can do to assist in having a safe journey.
- Consider whether your journey is necessary.
- Obtain the latest weather information.
- Plan your journey (route and timing), allowing yourself extra time.
- Tell someone of your plans.
- Consider carrying winter tyres or snow chains in your car.
- Do you have experience in adverse weather driving? (consider a course in skid control).
- As a pedestrian, are you wearing warm clothing and appropriate footwear.
- Could you use alternative means of transport?
- Consider joining a recognised breakdown/recovery service.
- When driving, travel slowly, at a safe distance from the vehicle in front and no harsh braking or steering.
- When driving, always use dipped headlights when visibility is poor, due to rain, snow or fog.
- When driving in heavy rain or through floods, drive slowly to reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
- It is better to travel a little further on a main road that has been treated with salt than to use untreated minor roads.
Prepare for the unexpected
No guarantee can be given that roads will always be completely clear of ice or snow and it takes time for salt to become effective after roads are salted. Rain can wash salt off roads leaving them prone to re-icing and in severe cold weather with temperatures below -8˚C, salt will not be as effective on icy roads.
‘Dawn Frost’ occurs on dry roads when early morning dew falls on cold road surfaces and freezes on impact.
If raining, salting will commence when rain stops, to avoid salt from being washed away.
During rush hours, traffic congestion will almost certainly delay the salting operation.
FINALLY, even the most carefully organised procedures can suffer setbacks or mechanical breakdowns and as a result, some salting routes may not be treated as quickly as programmed.
Before starting a journey check
Your tyre pressures are at the recommended level and that the tread depth is correct. Don’t forget your spare!
Your vehicle’s lights are clean and in working order.
Your wiper system is working effectively, your washer bottles are full and contain a suitable additive to prevent freezing.
Your battery is in good condition, topped up and fully charged.
Your antifreeze is at the correct strength (your garage can do this for you).
Make sure that all your windows and mirrors are completely clear of ice and condensation.
Keep available a can of de-icer and a scraper and cover your car’s windscreen with a blanket overnight.
For longer journeys, consider taking a flask of hot drink, a blanket and a shovel.
Contact Details
By Post
Customer Care Unit
Wiltshire County Council
County
Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14
8JN
By Email
By Telephone
01225 713000
By Fax
01225 713485
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday 8:30am - 5:20pm
Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm
