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A to Z Arts Benefits Bins and recycling Biodiversity and climate change Burials and cremations Business and investment Campaigns and projects Community Community protection Consultations Cost of living advice Council and democracy Council Tax Environmental health Events Housing Jobs and apprenticeships Local plan Museums News Parking Parks and green spaces Planning and building control Payments Seasonal advice Sports and leisure Street care and cleaning
  1. Home
  2. Seasonal Advice
  3. Winter Advice

Winter Advice

Last updated: 22 Jan 2026 1:31pm

    In the event of severe weather, please continue to check this page for updates.

    Bin collections

    During winter weather conditions, your bin collections may be affected. We will continue to provide services as normal where possible. For the most up-to-date information, please check this page or visit our social media channels.

        Road gritting and salt bins

        Road gritting and salt are the responsibility of Kent County Council (KCC).

        Our grounds maintenance and street cleansing teams help to grit and salt paths where possible.

        Parking

        Our Enforcement Team will only enforce where they can see the yellow lines, bays, or markings. If the markings are covered in snow and cannot be seen, then we will not enforce.

        If you have to leave your vehicle please ensure that it is left as safely as possible. As weather conditions improve we will enforce against abandoned vehicles that pose a hazard to other road users.

        Driving in the snow

        When the weather is difficult, try to avoid making car journeys by altering your plans, or switching to public transport if it is running. If you have to drive, here are some ways to stay safer on the roads during harsh conditions:

        • If you have one, keep your mobile phone charged, and consider carrying a spare power bank.
        • Keep at least one fresh, sealed bottle of water in the car.
        • Store a warm blanket within the boot, along with protective clothing.
        • Have a small supply of cash, including loose change within the car or on your person.
        • A torch and umbrella will help you in dark and wet conditions.
        • Non-perishable food will keep you going in an emergency.
        • Wear appropriate footwear and carry a spare pair of boots suitable for walking through snow.
        • Heat patches or glove warmers will give some warmth.
        • Have ready access to the number and information for your breakdown recovery service.

        SWEP

        The Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) is used throughout Maidstone to help those sleeping rough in our locality during extreme weather. The SWEP solution and type of accommodation may differ from local authority area to area, but will provide a safe and warm place for street-homeless people to stay overnight.

        Maidstone Churches winter shelter

        From Monday 5 January to Tuesday 31 March 2026, the winter shelter will run daily drop-ins at the United Reformed Church in Fremlin Walk. Anyone homeless, in temporary accommodation, or vulnerably housed can come for refreshments, support, and a listening ear.

        They also provide a bed for the night and a hot meal at 7.30pm. If you need a bed or a meal, you must attend a registration session first.
        You can register:

        • weekdays from 4.30pm to 5.30pm
        • weekends from 3.30pm to 5.30pm

        Evening locations include:

        • Monday and Wednesday: Allington Baptist Church, London Road
        • Tuesday and Thursday: Baptist Church, Knightrider Street
        • Friday: United Reformed Church, Fremlin Walk
        • Saturday: Salvation Army, Union Street
        • Sunday: Methodist Church, Tonbridge Road

        For more information, email projectmanager@maidstoneshelter.org.uk or call:

        • 01622 296 450
        • 07308 150 048
        • 07864 078 597

        Keeping warm

        The World Health Organisation states that in the UK the ideal temperature for main living rooms - including lounge, kitchen, hallway is 21 degrees Centigrade, and for bedrooms 18 degrees Centigrade. There are other things we can do to help us to stay warm.
        Simple ways to keep warm at home:

        • set the timer to come on earlier in cold weather and go off later rather than raising the temperature on the thermostat
        • wear layers of clothing, and if it's very cold indoors keep hands and feet warm with thermal socks and gloves
        • keep moving
        • make sure the area in front of the radiators are kept clear to allow the warm air to circulate, armchairs and settees in front of radiators simply absorb the heat with no benefit to you
        • allow sunlight into the home to warm up the rooms during daylight, and close the curtains at dusk
        • keep the body 'topped up' with warm and nourishing food - porridge, soups, bread, stews, rice and pasta dishes

        Useful websites and contact

        Customer Services: 01622 602000
        Facebook: facebook.com/maidstoneboroughcouncil
        Twitter: @maidstonebc

        You can find more help on the KCC website and the NHS website.