As we look ahead to the winter months, residents are encouraged to familiarise themselves with Norfolk County Council’s Priority Gritting Routes for Winter 2026/27, including routes through Swaffham and the surrounding villages.
The gritting network is designed to keep Norfolk moving during periods of ice and snow by prioritizing roads according to their level of use and importance to local communities.
Norfolk County Council explains that it carries out precautionary gritting based on road usage, with main roads treated before other routes. Priority is given to:
- Main roads and key transport links
- Major commuter routes
- Principal bus routes
- Wherever possible, at least one route into every village
Residents can view the full gritting route network for Swaffham and the surrounding area using the map provided or via Norfolk County Council’s online gritting route map.
Public Grit Bins
The map also identifies the location of public grit bins, which are shown using grit bin symbols.
These bins are provided to help residents treat public roads and footways affected by ice. Norfolk County Council usually refills grit bins twice each winter season:
- Once during November or December
- A second time after Christmas, subject to weather conditions
Due to limited resources and budgets, additional refills can only be carried out when resources allow. Residents should note that grit bins are not refilled upon request.
Use Salt Sparingly
To ensure supplies last throughout the winter, residents are encouraged to use grit responsibly. A little goes a long way, with just one tablespoon of salt capable of treating approximately one square metre of surface area.
By using grit sensibly and knowing where priority gritting routes are located, residents can help keep roads and pathways safer for everyone during periods of winter weather.
For more information and to view the current Priority Gritting Routes Map, please refer to the map provided or visit the Norfolk County Council website.
Swaffham Town Council