Provision of Grit Bins 

In 2010, Uckfield Town Council agreed that it would no longer provide grit bins or fill existing bins in the town.

The Council would, however, offer the existing bins to Resident Associations or community groups free of charge.

These groups could then purchase the grit from the County Council and control the use of the grit.

Several resident groups have already formed associations in Uckfield and have obtained the relevant licences and permission.

East Sussex Highways can arrange for grit bins to be filled for the winter season for a fee of £108 per fill.

Applications for new bins and refills can be made on the following form: https://live.eastsussexhighways.com/xfp/form/153.

East Sussex Highways will provide and/or fill grit bins where:

  • The costs are met by residents associations, businesses, and;
  • There is a suitable location for the new bin.

Further details are available on the East Sussex Highways website. They will review the request and, if approved, agree on a suitable location.

Bins can be located on the highway, or on private or Council-owned land, with the landowner’s permission.

Green grit bin
Yellow grit bin

Cost for a grit bin

Grit bin, installation, and first fill – £328
Refill – £108 per fill

Filling an empty grit bin

New grit bins are not automatically refilled.

The owner or responsible person must ask for a bin to be refilled by contacting East Sussex Highways at https://live.eastsussexhighways.com/xfp/form/153.

They will then arrange for the new bin to be refilled when they refill their grit bins.

When there is high demand for grit, this may be reserved for use on priority roads and this might prevent grit bins from being refilled.

Spreading grit safely

East Sussex Highways spread salt on 778 miles of highway across the county on a typical cold or frosty night.

Their ‘Primary’ gritting routes include all A and B roads and some C roads. C roads are prioritised as those leading to schools, hospitals, fire and police stations, and railway stations.

Secondary routes (224 miles) are treated when snow or severe icy conditions are forecast.

These routes include link roads into a village, hamlet, urban estate, and main feeder roads. All gritting routes can be found on the ESH website, including more information here: https://live.eastsussexhighways.com/services/services-winter-service/2.

If residents are gritting their driveways, paths, or roads, they should be aware that safety is the most important factor.

We advise that when gritting, residents do the following:

  • Only spread grit when there are no vehicles or pedestrians nearby.
  • Wear bright clothing so that you can be seen easily.
  • Don’t assume the road or pavement is safe just because it has been gritted.
  • Look after the environment – use the minimum grit necessary. A shovel full of grit will be sufficient for 20-30 square metres of road.
Snowy road with vehicles

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