Operation Snowfall saw crews test their gritting equipment and refamiliarise themselves with gritting routes across the borough. The council’s full winter service will run from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Around 2,800 tonnes of salt has been stocked – enough to cover up to 48 full gritting runs if conditions require it.
Walsall Council grits around 41 percent of the borough’s roads, including priority routes such as main roads, bus routes and access routes to hospitals. Decisions to send out the gritters are made daily and are informed by road surface temperature, localised weather forecasts and weather station data.
“ When winter weather arrives, our teams are ready to get out and do the job. Gritting often takes place overnight and in the early hours, helping to get priority routes treated before the morning rush.
Councillor Ian Benton, Portfolio Holder for Street Scene and Enforcement at Walsall Council
I’d like to thank our highways crews for the work they do in all weathers to help keep Walsall moving. We can’t control the weather, but we can be prepared for it, and I’d encourage residents to take extra care when travelling in cold or icy weather. “
Residents can view which roads are covered by the council’s gritting routes at Gritting | Walsall Council.
Gritting bins across the borough are also being checked and refilled ahead of winter. These bins tend to be placed where there are steep gradients or difficult junctions and are replenished when needed. You can make a request for a grit bin to be topped up or repaired at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/myaccount-online-services/report-problem-grit-bin
Gritting usually takes place overnight to minimise disruption, though crews can also be called out during the day if conditions change. Residents are advised to take extra care on the roads during winter, particularly on untreated surfaces.
More information about the council’s winter service can be found at https://go.walsall.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-travel/roadworks-and-road-maintenance/gritting
