How snow removal works

Svenska

When we clear snow and combat ice, we always start with the streets that are most important to the most people.

When it has snowed and there is a specific amount of snow on the ground, we clear the streets in a specific order. We prioritise the streets where emergency vehicles, other essential functions and large numbers of people need to move around.

This means that snow removal and de-icing is prioritised on:

  • major routes
  • bus routes
  • busy main roads, including footways and cycleways.

We clear the other streets too, just not as quickly.

During heavy snowfall

Delays can occur during heavy, persistent snowfall, and as a result it can take longer before we remove the snow from, for example, local and residential streets.

If there is a very large amount of snow, the snowbanks created by ploughing can become so large that they obstruct access. We then need to collect and remove the snow, which can take time because of the large volumes involved.

How we prioritise snow removal

To enable us to prioritise during snow removal, the city’s streets and highways have been divided into different priority classes. The map below shows how we prioritise between different roads and streets.

Major routes   Class 1   Class 2   Class 3   Class 4   Class 5
                     

Help the City’s snow clearers do their job

In order for snow removal and de-icing to be carried out efficiently, the streets need to be accessible. For this reason, it is essential that you comply with the City’s parking regulations.

A few ways you can facilitate snow removal:

  • Respect the parking regulations.
  • Do not leave your bike in the street if you are not planning to use it during the winter.
  • Remove obstacles from footways, for example construction bags.
  • Park e-scooters in bike racks during the winter.

The City’s priority classification

The priority class indicates how quickly snow removal must be completed. The time is measured from when the criteria for starting snow removal have been met.

Priority class Completed within
Major routes 2 hours
Class 1 2–3 hours
Class 2 4 hours
Class 3 4–6 hours
Class 4 10 hours
Class 5 10 hours

Criteria to begin snow removal

We begin snow removal once a certain amount of snow has fallen. The amount of snow varies depending on the transport mode and street type.

Type of road Wet snow/slush Loose snow
Footways and cycleways 1–1,5 cm 2–3 cm
Roads/streets (carriageways) 2–2,5 cm 4–5 cm
Major routes 1 cm 2 cm

Updated