Winter on Midlothian roads

Our winter service

What we will do

Our winter service runs from late October to late March.

During this time we monitor conditions across our road network, and we grit and clear roads and footways in snow and freezing weather. We give priority to routes according to our Winter Service Policy and Operational plan (PDF).

• Midlothian gritting routes map (PDF)
• Report a winter road problem
• Current road works and real-time roads information

We maintain the adopted public road network in Midlothian apart from these trunk roads which are the responsibility of Transport Scotland:

• A720 City of Edinburgh Bypass
• A68
• A702

Roads on new estates which have not been adopted by the Council are the responsibility of the housing developer or factor.

In icy or snowy weather

• Please consider others in your community.
• Consider gritting elderly neighbours access or offering to do their shopping.

What you can do

• If you can, clear snow from the pavement outside your home and those of vulnerable neighbours.
• Use grit from the nearest grit bin.
• Keeping your pavements clear is hugely helpful to your community.
• Request  / refill a grit bin

Waste collection in winter

What we will do

• Kerbside collections of waste and recycling will continue where it is safe for us to do so.
• If the driver considers it unsafe for collections in your street, we will aim to return later that day.
• If icy or snowy conditions stop us collecting your bin, we will return as soon as conditions allow.
• We aim to keep our Recycling Centres open. 

What you can do

• Park your car in a way that doesn't block access for our bin lorries. For example, try to park on your drive, if you have one, and park with consideration on narrow roads or near a corner.
• Clear snow and ice from the top of your bin, box or food waste container.
• Ensure there is a clear path in the snow to allow crews to wheel your bin to the road / collection vehicle.

Winter advice

The Ready Scotland website contains information and practical advice on preparing for and coping with severe weather conditions.

• Ready Scotland

Severe Weather

More information on our reaction to severe weather.