The Council is seeking to establish a Highways Winter Service Framework. The Framework will be divided into 8 Lots. Winter Service is such that the amount of work required will invariably change each year. The winter season runs from 1st October to 1st May and runs a 24/7 service. The Winter Service will be carried out using gritters, vehicles, associated winter services plant and appropriately-trained drivers provided by the contractor. The contractor may be allocated a type of salting route, patrol route or snow clearing routes under the separate Lots. The routes may be varied at any time during the contract period.