Winter and gritting FAQs

School gritting and school transport

Why aren’t all school transport routes treated as primary routes?

We don’t have the resources to treat every road used for school transport as part of a primary gritting route.

What happens if the school bus can’t get pupils to school because of the road conditions?

To ensure pupil safety, school bus drivers have discretion to cancel or vary a route if the local weather conditions make it necessary.

Where a driver decides that the weather conditions will make the journey to school unsafe, it is at the parents' discretion whether they take the child to and from school themselves.

How will I know if my school route has been cancelled?

Bus operators notify us of any cancellations to school services. Updates on route cancellations or amendments will be provided on our website.

Who is responsible for gritting the school playgrounds?

Each school has a winter plan which includes gritting of some accesses. You should contact the school directly if you have any issues with gritting on school grounds.

Adverse weather enquiry

Address: Council Headquarters
Newtown St. Boswells
Melrose
TD6 0SA

Telephone: 0300 100 1800