Staffordshire County Council is updating its gritting and winter maintenance routes following the first in-depth review of the existing policy in 10 years.
The new approach will prioritise routes based on how they support communities, the economy and provide access to key places, rather than the classification of the road itself. The change aligns with government guidance that has been updated since the last policy was published.
What Will Change
No treated routes will be removed for winter 2026/27. A small number of routes will be kept as exceptions while further work is carried out.
Staffordshire County Council currently treats more than 40% of its road network during winter, a figure above the national average. There are no plans to reduce the amount of network treated.
The updated policy will also change arrangements for additional community grit bins funded by local councils.
Next Steps
The draft policy was discussed at scrutiny on 21 July and will be presented to the authority's cabinet on 16 September. If approved, it will come into effect before the winter season starts on 19 October.
Peter Mason, Cabinet Member for Strategic Highways at Staffordshire County Council, said: "Keeping Staffordshire moving safely during winter is vital for residents, businesses and communities. This updated policy gives us a clearer, more modern and evidence-led way of planning our winter service."