17-11-20 Argyll and Bute Council
Be safe - plan for winter journeys.
The council’s winter roads’ maintenance plan is now up and running to tackle the worst of the cold weather ahead.
You can help keep yourself safe by following the council’s daily action plan so you know what overnight road conditions are likely to be and what our gritting schedule is. That way, you can prepare for the following morning. Details are on the council website click HERE.
When freezing conditions are forecast the council has 33 gritters to pre-treat over 750 miles of road, over 50% of the entire network. This is the equivalent of driving from Lochgilphead to Paris.
We are also grateful to have a network of local contractors who can be mobilised in emergencies.
The routes are determined in order of priority, with resources focused on the roads which carry the greatest amount of traffic. Our roads team works diligently to this strict programme.
Keeping our roads clear takes careful planning. We have a team of people who analyse local weather forecast data so we know by the end of each day what we need to do to make sure the roads are treated appropriately the following morning.
Councillor Rory Colville, Policy Lead for Roads and Infrastructure Services, said: “This is my first chance as policy lead to pay tribute to our roads workers. They are up, in the early hours when it’s cold and icy, to start making local roads safe for the rest of us.
“I’d still urge everyone to think about their own safety and plan ahead. This year, even more than others, council resources may be stretched to the limit because of COVID-19. Check the roads before you leave home. You can find live-event road cameras, our daily action plan which includes our gritting schedule, and our adverse weather plans on our website. Please make use of this information.
In very bad weather, think about whether you absolutely have to make that journey. ROSPA has a useful factsheet on being prepared for winter driving on its website click HERE.
For more information on the council’s adverse weather plans click HERE
This is the link to road cameras click HERE
For further information telephone 01546 604 171, or email press@argyll-bute.gov.uk
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