Powys roads winter service review

3 July 2025

Recommendations for how Powys roads are categorised and serviced during the winter months will be discussed by Powys County Council's scrutiny committee next week, Wednesday 9 July.

The recommendations have been developed during the comprehensive Powys roads winter service review which has included an extensive public consultation during 2023 and further engagement with local members in 2024.

Following the guidance from the National Winter Service Research Group (NWSRG) and the Well-managed Highway Infrastructure: A Code of Practice, all Powys roads have been categorised using a risk and evidence-based approach. In layman's terms this means we have considered a number of criteria for each road, including traffic volume, public transport links, amenities and essential services such as schools, medical centres and the location of emergency services.

The categories have then been applied in practical terms, developing a recommended set of winter service (gritting) routes for the whole county which will have been created using an open, consistent and fair approach that will provide an equitable service for all of Powys.

"Historically, how Powys roads have been serviced and maintained during the winter months has evolved at a local level." Explained Cllr Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys. "Although the rationale behind this approach had been well intentioned, it was time for the process to be reviewed against national code of practices and the current, modern-day needs of our county."

"The feedback gathered during the public consultation and engagement exercise has ensured that the recommendations to be discussed by the scrutiny committee and subsequently taken to cabinet, meet, wherever possible, the expectations of the communities. Through this review we have been able to produce winter service routes suitable for the whole county.

"With a road network of more than 5,500kms, it is important to remember that we are simply unable to service, or treat, all roads at the same level throughout the winter months. This winter service review has helped us prioritise roads and routes fairly.

"The Powys roads winter service review is not a money saving exercise, although it is important to remember that every service area in the council is having to make budget savings and be prudent with expenditure. The main purpose of this report is to ensure that the winter service routes are created using an open, consistent and fair approach that will provide an equitable service for the whole county."