Winter plan to keep Argyll and Bute moving

Argyll and Bute Council is getting its gritters in gear to keep the region on the road this winter.

 

The council's winter plans include 11,000 tonnes of salt, 31 frontline vehicles and a dedicated team to monitor winter conditions this 2022/23 season.

 

The £2.12 million plan will help keep 750 miles of priority routes open for business and treat footpaths where there is heavy snow or persistent freezing conditions.

 

It details priorities and resources needed throughout the winter months through to spring.

 

Policy lead for roads and transport Councillor Andrew Kain said the plan is robust.

 

'We are committed to making sure people can travel across Argyll and Bute as safely as possible during the winter months.

 

'We have a robust plan that includes a team of dedicated roads workers, who are often out in challenging weather conditions.'

 

The council analyses weather forecast data on a daily basis to plan how to treat priority routes and as well as having its own fleet of winter vehicles, it also has a network of local contractors who can be mobilised in emergencies.

 

Although winter may seem a long way off, there are steps you can take to be winter ready.

 

You can find lots of helpful information on the council website www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/winter-weather-ready

 

The council 11,000 tonnes of salt stock can be topped up depending on the severity of the winter.

 

Trunk roads – A82, A85, A828 and A83 – are the responsibility of BEAR Scotland on behalf of Transport Scotland.

 

Excluding those trunk roads, the council's roads network runs to nearly 1,430 miles.