The Council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure committee today (11 September) approved this year’s Winter Service plan which prioritises how 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute will be kept open for business during spells of cold weather.
Keeping 51³Ô¹ÏÃâ·ÑApp and Bute’s roads clear takes careful planning. The council has a dedicated team who analyse local weather forecast data so we know by the end of each day what we need to do to make sure we treat the roads appropriately the following morning. The accuracy of the forecasting is around 94%.
When the forecast indicates that temperatures will plummet, the council is geared up to treat 32 routes, amounting to 54% of our 2,300 km road network.
To achieve this the council has 32 frontline vehicles, plus another 10 back-up vehicles that can be brought into use if conditions demand. Additional trailer gritters, to be used with pick-up vehicles, will be procured for the islands of Tiree, Coll, Colonsay and Lismore.
Footways and paths are not normally treated. However, there are a number of local grit bins which members of the public can use to treat areas around their homes.
Councillor John Armour, Policy Lead for Roads, Transport and Amenity Services, said:
“I’d urge everyone to make the most of the resources the council has on its website to help everyone plan safe journeys. These include live-event road cameras, our daily action plan, which includes our gritting schedule, and our adverse weather plans.
“We grit as many roads as possible, 10% above the average for all Scottish local authorities, but the main traffic routes always take priority.
“As always my thanks go to all those workers who are up early on those dark, cold mornings to make the roads safe for us to go about our daily lives.â€
In very bad weather, think about whether you absolutely have to make that journey. ROSPA has a on being prepared for winter driving on its website.
For more information on the Council’s adverse weather plans can be found on its website.
From 1 November, until next April, you can find our daily road treatment plans on the website.
Before you travel, check our road cameras.
