To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail any criteria required for winter road gritting services in communities.

My Department targets the limited resources available on the busier main through routes, as per the current winter service policy. The application of this policy means that 28% of the total road network, which carries around 80% of traffic, is salted, and provides action where it is most needed and most-effective.

In addition to gritting this 28% Primary Salting Network, salt bins and grit piles are provided for use by the public, on a self-help basis, on other routes adopted or maintained by my Department, but which do not qualify for inclusion on the gritting schedule. Where possible, once the condition of the Primary Salting Network is secured, secondary salting may be undertaken on other, more rural roads, particularly during prolonged periods of hazardous weather. These decisions are taken by experienced engineers who review all available data and Met office expert opinion.

The full policy can be viewed on the Department’s website below:

https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/publications/winter-service-rsppg-e022

It must, however, be emphasised that the service provided cannot eliminate the risks – even on roads that are gritted, ice free conditions cannot be guaranteed, and I would urge motorists to drive with caution, take the ever-changing weather conditions into account and leave extra time for their journey.