{"id":527,"date":"2026-03-05T12:25:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-05T12:25:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/?page_id=527"},"modified":"2026-03-13T15:12:43","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T15:12:43","slug":"snow-warden-scheme","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/self-help\/snow-warden-scheme","title":{"rendered":"Snow Warden Scheme"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In winter, we prioritise salting Devon\u2019s major routes, which carry the highest volumes of traffic. This means some smaller communities may not always receive support as quickly as they would like. The&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Snow Warden Scheme<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;helps communities prepare for and respond to severe winter weather by providing&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">advice, online training, and salt<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;to local councils and community organisations who support their area on a voluntary basis.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Snow Wardens act as the key point of contact between&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Devon County Council&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">and their community. The role focuses on&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">coordination<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, supported locally by the council or community organisation and the Neighbourhood Highway Officer.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The role of the Snow Warden<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Snow Wardens work&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">on behalf of their local council or community organisation<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, not Devon County Council. They help deliver locally agreed winter maintenance support, which may include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Ordering grit and salt supplies<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Keeping a register of trained volunteers<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Receiving and responding to local weather alerts<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Organising volunteers to clear snow<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Organising volunteers to spread grit when icy weather is forecast<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Encouraging responsible and appropriate use of salt<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Requirements for Snow Wardens<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Snow Wardens must:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be nominated by a town or parish council or similar community body<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Complete the required training.&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Please contact&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><a href=\"mailto:communityselfhelp@devon.gov.uk\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">communityselfhelp@devon.gov.uk<\/span><\/b><\/a><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;to register to be given access to the online training.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Work within&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Devon County Council<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">guidance and within the local winter plan agreed with us<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Be formally registered with<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Devon County Council.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can register or update your details via our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/self-help\/snow-warden\"><strong>online form.<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The role of Snow Warden volunteers<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you want to help but are unable to commit to becoming a registered Snow Warden, you can support your community as a volunteer. Volunteers may:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Spread grit<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Clear snow<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Refill grit bins and bags<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/roads-and-transport\/report-a-problem\/\">Report issues with grit bins and bags online<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Salt provision<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We support local councils and community organisations with salt supplies to help them keep priority areas moving.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">We provide<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Up to five tonnes of salt free of charge<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, usually delivered in one\u2011tonne dumpy bags to one agreed location before winter, along with a small number of bagged salt supplies.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Salt quantities for&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">town councils<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;are agreed separately and depend on the services they plan to deliver (for example, clearing busy High Streets).<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Up to&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">a further five tonnes<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;can be supplied at the same time at&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a3100 per tonne<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A route for&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">purchasing additional salt<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;through our contracted suppliers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You can request salt using our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/self-help\/self-help-and-community-support-schemes\/salt-ordering\"><strong>online<\/strong> form<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Using and storing salt<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Tow\u2011along gritters can use significant quantities of salt, so organisations must consider the&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">cost, storage space, and ongoing demand<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;before purchasing additional supplies.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Salt may harden if it becomes damp. If this happens, empty the salt, spread it out, break it up, and allow it to dry naturally in the sun before re\u2011bagging.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Insurance<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Devon County Council provides&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Public Liability Insurance<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;for voluntary work completed under the approved Snow Warden Scheme, provided it is carried out safely and in accordance with our guidance. This covers third\u2011party claims arising from authorised Snow Warden activities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">do not<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;provide any other insurance cover. This means:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Volunteers are responsible for their own personal safety and property.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Damage to personal equipment or vehicles is not covered.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Anyone using their own vehicle (for example, farmers) must ensure their insurer covers Snow Warden activities.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If a local council or community organisation employs a contractor, our Public Liability cover does&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">not<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;apply to that work.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We encourage all councils and community organisations involved in self\u2011help services to check their insurance arrangements with their provider.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">What Devon County Council will provide<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As part of the Snow Warden Scheme, we will:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Deliver a&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">comprehensive winter service<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;as described in the&nbsp;<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Winter Service and Emergencies Plan<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Refill&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">county\u2011owned grit bins<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;when notified that they are empty.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Provide&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">up to five tonnes of free salt<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;before winter, plus a small supply of bagged salt.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Offer&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">an additional five tonnes<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;at \u00a3100 per tonne if required at the same time.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Provide a mechanism for purchasing&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">further salt<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;throughout the season.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Train Snow Wardens and provide&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ongoing advice and guidance<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Provide&nbsp;<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Public Liability Insurance<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;for approved Snow Warden activities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">How to get involved<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Local councils and community organisations who<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">&nbsp;would like to join the Snow Warden Scheme should contact us at&nbsp;<\/span><a href=\"mailto:communityselfhelp@devon.gov.uk\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">communityselfhelp@devon.gov.uk<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In winter, we prioritise salting Devon\u2019s major routes, which carry the highest volumes of traffic. This means some smaller communities may not always receive support as quickly as they would like. The&nbsp;Snow Warden Scheme&nbsp;helps communities prepare for and respond to severe winter weather by providing&nbsp;advice, online training, and salt&nbsp;to local councils and community organisations who [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2961,"featured_media":0,"parent":421,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-527","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-04 12:29:37","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/527","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2961"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=527"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/527\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19974,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/527\/revisions\/19974"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/421"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/devonhighways\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=527"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}