Salting is carried out when road temperatures drop below zero and when the roads are expected to be damp. Ice will not form on a dry road surface in dry air. We try to carry out salting either after the evening or before the morning peak traffic periods. We may work 24 hours around the clock if we have bad weather.

We use a computer system that collects weather and road information at different sites across Central Bedfordshire. The Met Office uses this weather information along with their other weather data to predict weather conditions and road surface temperatures. We then make our decision on whether or not to salt and at what time of the day or night.

Salting map - Central Bedfordshire (PDF 983KB)

Salting map - Dunstable (PDF 1.2MB)

Salting map - Leighton Linslade (PDF 1.1MB)

Our salting network has been created so that roads carrying the highest amount of traffic, the highest risk of traffic and the highest risk of accidents are treated. This means that just under half of the road network in Central Bedfordshire is salted. We also try to ensure that the majority if road users live within a reasonable distance of a salted road. In the event of snow, roads will be cleared according to their priority.

A review in 2011 has also been under taken on redefining the 'Priority 0' routes that comes into operation if required by the Government to reduce salt usage. The main changes being implemented under this review are to include important link roads (to upper and middle schools, ambulance / fire station within this network).

Priority 0 Network

This is a network that is treated in the rare event that resources are not available for treating the highway authorities Priority 1 networks.

A and B class carriageways, plus certain other roads serving the upper and middle schools, and the premises of the emergency services that are not on or very close to A and B roads.

Priority 1 Network

The priority 1 network is the network of roads that is routinely treated for ice and snow. Priority will be given to maintaining the Priority 1 network clear of ice and snow.

The Priority 1 network is defined as all A and B class roads, most C class roads and some UC class roads, It includes busy peak commuter routes, main peak hour bus routes, routes to fire stations, ambulance stations, hospitals and most but not all school bus routes and roads that's past all middle and upper schools.

Priority 2 Network

Identifies the road network that, although not treated as a regular priority, is considered important enough to warrant treatment during prolonged winter weather when the Priority 1 network is passable by traffic, free from major ice and snow, and resources are available to add this Priority 2 network to the Priority 1 salting and or ploughing regime.

If you have any questions, please telephone the Highway Helpdesk on 0300 300 8308.  Bedfordshire Highways does not look after motorways and trunk roads. Carillion URS look after the A421. They can be contacted on 01536 413700. (PDF 867KB)

• Correct tyre tread depths and pressures. Don’t forget the spare.
• Lights are working and are kept clean.
• The correct level of antifreeze. A garage can check this for you.
• Wiper blades are in good condition. A windscreen washer bottle that contains an additive to prevent freezing.
• A battery that is in good condition. Winter driving will make extra demands on your battery.

• Check the weather conditions both for your outward journey and any return.
• Plan your route and leave in plenty of time. Even consider whether your journey is essential.

• Speed kills. Do not travel too fast. Cut your speed in possible icy conditions.
• It is far safer to travel a little further on a salted road than to use untreated roads.
• Keep your distance. It takes much longer to stop in ice and snow.
• Try to anticipate the actions of other drivers.
• Avoid harsh acceleration, steering or braking.
• Keep in as high a gear as possible.
• Allow more time for your journey.
• Consider whether your journey is necessary