Winter Services

Salt bins

Salt heaps or yellow salt bins provide the public with a “self help” facility for the road at specific locations.

The bins are restocked as necessary throughout the winter.

Requests for salt bins or heaps are assessed using the following criteria:

• presence of hazards such as a hill, bend, problem junction, speed limit
• the proposed bin or heap is not already on a precautionary salting route
• other factors such as bus routes, local factors and availability of resources to spread the salt
• suitability of the site for a salt bin
• likely environmental impact
• restrictions on overall cost.

You can use our online form to apply for a salt bin or heap.

Before you start

You’ll need to provide:

• the required location for new bins, or the location of existing bins
• the reason for the request or details of any issues
• your name, address and contact details if you want us to keep you informed.

What happens next

All salt bins are assessed for provision against a strict inclusion criterion which considerer the severity of the hazard ie hill, bend, and a range of other factors, should the assessment score enough points then a bin will be provided however should the minimum score not be met a bin will not be provided. Assessment of bins usually takes place over the summer months with an aim to provide any successful requests for that following winter season.

Report a problem with a salt bin

Often salt bins become the focus of vandalism or the meeting place for young people. If this becomes a nuisance, you can request that the bin is removed. Other residents in the area must agree before the facility is withdrawn.