During the winter months, this page is regularly updated with details of when our gritters will be in action, a link to the latest weather forecast, winter driving tips, school closures due to the weather, and other useful information to help you cope with the winter weather.
For more updates follow us on twitter @mbrocouncil and look out for #mbrowinter. Updates are posted as soon as the decision is made to send the gritters out.
Gritting routes
Middlesbrough has five priority gritting routes totalling 180 miles. View the gritting routes map.
Priority 1 and Priority 2 gritting routes are set out in our annual winter maintenance plan. Roads not included on one of those routes will only be gritted 'in the most exceptional circumstances', which will generally be 'in the aftermath of heavy, prolonged snow', and only when Priority 1 and 2 routes are clear.
Latest update
Friday 6 December - no gritting planned.
We are now in the winter period so we'll be updating this page Monday to Friday. Gritting decisions are usually made in the early afternoon, so check back then to see if we'll be out today. If the forecast isn't clear, we may wait until the evening to decide whether to grit, so follow us on twitter @mbrocouncil to see.
For information about gritting during evenings, weekends, and Bank Holidays, follow us on twitter @mbrocouncil and look out for #mbrowinter.
School closures
There are currently no school closures due to the weather.
Winter maintenance
You can let us know if a salt bin near you has been stolen or damaged, or is empty.
You can use Report It to report a problem with, or request additional supplies for, a salt bin located near you.
Please note, Report It should only be used for requests relating to salt bins, not for requests to have a particular road added to a gritting route.
Key stats for winter 2019-2020
- First grit this season - 26/10/2019
- Distance covered per gritting run (five routes) - 180 miles
- Total time to grit all routes - 2 hours
- Number of gritters - 7
- Amount of grit available in 2019/20 - 4,500 tonnes
- Amount of grit used in 2017/18 - 2,350 tonnes
Weather forecast
Visit the Met Office Website for a detailed, up to date weather forecast.
Are you ready for winter?
One Planet Middlesbrough has a checklist to ensure you're ready to cope with cold weather.
Ten tips to make sure you're prepared for winter.
Eight tips to help protect your home and property from winter weather.
Winter health
View a simple guide to staying well this winter.
You can also get further information from NHS Choices on looking after yourself during the winter.
Cleveland Fire Brigade's free Stay Safe and Warm scheme offers access to borrow heaters and other equipment for those struggling to stay warm in their home.
Help for older people
Middlesbrough Staying Put Agency works with hundreds of older and vulnerable clients every year.
Independent Age (0800 319 6789) and Silverline (0800 4 70 80 90) offer free, confidential advice and friendship over the phone
Winter driving
Halfords offers a free 15-point safety check for your car.
Visit the RAC for tips on driving safely in the winter.
View the essential items for your winter breakdown kit.
Frozen pipes
Essential information about how to protect your property from frozen and burst pipes, and what to do if it happens.
Clearing snow and ice from pavements yourself
Useful advice for anyone clearing snow from pavements or public spaces.
Financial support
Based on your income and whether you're getting certain benefits, you might be eligible for financial support over the winter:
- Winter Fuel Payment is a payment to help you pay your heating bill
- Cold Weather Payment is a payment for every seven day period of very cold weather
- The Warm Home Discount Scheme offers you a one-off discount on your electricity bill
