Gritting myths

Here are the facts about gritting - despite what some popular myths would have you believe!

Once the gritter has put salt on the road all ice will melt

This is not true! Spreading salt on the road is only the start of the de-icing process. Movement of salt around the road by traffic is essential to complete the process. Overnight, when traffic levels are low, roads can take longer to melt ice if it has formed.

Spreading salt on fresh snow will melt it more quickly

This is not true! Salt only effectively melts snow when it is less than 40mm deep and traffic can move the salt around.

No matter what the temperature salt will melt the ice

This is not true! Salt is less effective at temperatures below minus five degrees centigrade and takes longer to melt snow and ice in these conditions.