As the winter gritting season comes to an end, Clearway Gritting looks back on our season that was longer and colder than in recent years across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, North London and Cambridgeshire.
Early forecasts predicted a drop in temperatures, and these proved to be correct. While there was minimal snowfall, frost and ice were a frequent challenge, leading to an extended season that continued well into March.
This resulted in a significant increase in gritting site visits compared to the previous year, ensuring that roads, car parks, and access routes in locations such as Milton Keynes, Hemel Hempstead, Watford and Cambridge remained safe for businesses and the public throughout the winter months.
Winter Gritting 2024/2025 Season Summary
Number of site visits: |
21,125 |
Amount of salt used: |
3,500 tonnes |
Number of frost days: |
55 |
Number of snow days: |
1 |
A Cold and Prolonged Season
The winter of 2024/2025 was marked by persistent cold spells rather than continuous sub-zero conditions. Frost and ice were a common occurrence across our coverage area, and although there were few major snow events, regular gritting was necessary to prevent hazardous conditions.
The number of site visits we made this year reached 21,125, reflecting the increased demand for our gritting services. Similarly, the amount of salt used across our coverage areas, including Welwyn Garden City, Luton, London and Stevenage, was significantly higher, with 3,500 tonnes distributed across key locations.
The cold conditions were not confined to the early months of winter. March saw continued frost days, extending the season beyond the usual timeframe. In total, we recorded 55 frost days, highlighting the need for ongoing gritting operations even as spring approached.
The Role of Climate Patterns: El Niño and La Niña
Understanding climate patterns such as El Niño and La Niña is an important factor when preparing for future winters. El Niño, which occurs every two to seven years and typically lasts between nine and twelve months, leads to warmer global temperatures but can also result in more extreme weather patterns, including colder winters in some regions. Conversely, La Niña, which often follows El Niño, brings colder-than-average conditions and can extend winter periods.
This year, the UK experienced the tail end of an El Niño cycle and the emergence on La Niña in December 2024, which influenced the fluctuating temperatures and intermittent icy conditions. As we look ahead to 2025/2026, it is essential for businesses to remain prepared, as the shift towards La Niña could bring a more prolonged and severe winter. With global climate trends becoming increasingly unpredictable, planning ahead is more important than ever.
Preparing for Winter 2025/2026
The unpredictability of climate change means that businesses cannot afford to take winter preparation lightly. With the potential for more extreme conditions in the coming years, securing a winter gritting contract with Clearway Gritting ensures that your premises remain safe, accessible, and fully operational, no matter the weather.
Our gritting services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each site, and with a track record of reliability, we continue to provide essential support during the harshest months of the year.
We encourage all businesses in areas such as Slough, High Wycombe, Welwyn Garden City, Bedford and the wider regions to renew their winter gritting contracts for the 2025/2026 season as soon as possible.
Early winter maintenance planning guarantees priority service, ensuring that sites remain protected from unexpected frost and ice. Given the increasing uncertainty surrounding global climate patterns, securing a contract now provides peace of mind that your business will be prepared for whatever the next winter season brings.
As we close the books on this year’s gritting season, Clearway Gritting remains committed to providing a reliable, proactive service to businesses across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, North London and Cambridgeshire. We look forward to continuing our work in the 2025/2026 season, ensuring safety and accessibility through even the coldest months.
