The location of new or replacement grits bin are first assessed before being installed or replaced, grit bins will not be installed within 100 metres of an existing grit bin.
You can request a grit bin to be refilled, request a replacement grit bin where it is missing, damaged or broken, or request a grit bin where one isn't present, using our online form.
Grit Bin Policy
The provision of grit bins in urban areas is to offer the public a self-help option to overcome localised difficulties of greatest risk in relation to the effect of winter conditions on roads and footpaths. It is important that the council encourages and helps facilitate self-help by those members of the public who are prepared to carry out this work.
However, the number of grit bins made available needs to be controlled. Maintaining adequate salt levels in the bins results in an operational burden therefore careful consideration is given to the provision and location of grit bins.
If the location is currently on a primary carriageway or footway route then a grit bin will not be considered as the risk should be mitigated from planned treatment
Grit bins will only be located where they can be accessed and filled from a lorry
Grit bins will be replenished at the start of the winter period and then only as an when resources allow thereafter.
Council grit bins will be left in place all year, we do not refill private grit bins
Both the grit bin and grit are purely for use on a public road or footway
The locations of grit bins will be recorded and made available online, to find your nearest grit bin use our map search
The council will not provide grit bins in private areas or car parks for use by any other council or any other public or private property such as schools, parks, hospitals, care homes, etc. unless a service level agreement is in place
Only those requests submitted online with the proposed location shown on a map will be considered
Applicants will be notified when the application is successful or not, the responsible officers decision is final
A request will not be accepted unless a location to site the bin has been agreed with the responsible officer
Grit bins that are stolen/damaged or missing will be first reassessed in line with the criteria, a previous grit bin will not be replaced if the location does not meet the criteria
In times of an extreme weather event it is not always possible to service and replenish grit bins due to their location and the deployment of resources in higher priority areas
Please note - Urban is where the speed limit is 40mph or less. Rural is where the speed limit is greater than 40mph.
Town
Location
Armadale
Garage site at McNeil Crescent
Bathgate
Xcite Centre, Torphichen Road
Bathgate (Wester Inch)
Car park adjacent to play area in Leyland Road
Blackburn
Partnership Centre, Ash Grove
Blackridge
Craig Inn Community Centre, Main Street
Bridgend
Car park at Community Centre
Broxburn
Xcite Centre, Church Street
Craigshill
Tower Public House car park, Adelaide Street
East Calder
Xcite Centre, Langton Road
Ecclesmachan
Oatridge College Access Road
Eliburn
Livingston North Train Station (South Car Park)
Fauldhouse
Eastfield Road Car Park near the bottle banks
Greenrigg
Polkemmet Drive garage site
Kirknewton
Sports Pavilion
Linlithgow
Xcite Centre, McGinley Way
Livingston Village
Car park at rear of Livingston Inn
Murieston
Livingston South Train Station car park
Newton
Community Education Centre
Threemiletown
B9080 adjacent to No. 1 St James Place
Torphichen
Community Centre, Bowyett
West Calder
Business Centre, Dickson Street
Westfield
South West end of Strathlogie at Garage Site
Whitburn
Xcite Centre, Jubilee Road
Wilkieston
Linburn Park
Winchburgh
Community Centre, Craigton Place
There is no law preventing members of the public from clearing snow and ice from public roads and footways outside their properties and businesses. However, people should exercise care and caution when attempting to undertake any snow clearing so that they do not create any further hazards through careless or inconsiderate actions.
Being a good neighbour during severe winter weather is usually welcomed.
Detailed below is some advice provided by the Government on clearing roads and footways yourself:-
Do not use hot water as this could freeze, increasing the risk of injury to persons
Choose suitable clothing for the task to ensure that you remain warm, clearly visible to traffic and that footwear provides a good grip
Do not take unnecessary risks in the road and be aware that vehicles may find it difficult to stop quickly in icy conditions
If shovelling snow consider where you are going to put it to avoid shifting the problem elsewhere, for example, avoid blocking other footways and drainage features such as gullies
Use a shovel with a wide blade and do not overload the shovel with snow
It is easier to remove fresh snow before pedestrians have compressed the snow into compacted ice
Clear a line down the middle of the area to be cleared first to create a safer surface to work from
Spread some salt on the area cleared to prevent the formation of ice
Do not use too much salt as a few grams, about a tablespoon for each square metre that you clear should be sufficient
If there is no salt available then a little sand or grit is a reasonable substitute. It will not have the same de-icing properties as salt but will improve grip underfoot
Salt applied to the road or footway could be washed away by rain or snow and subsequently freeze - in this case a further application of salt should be used soon after the rain has ceased and before temperatures approach freezing
Particular care and attention should be given to steps and steep gradients to ensure that snow and ice is removed - it may be beneficial to apply additional salt at these locations to reduce the risk of injury
