True gritters have Highlands salted
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With forecasts of a harsh winter ahead, council bosses say they have already got it salted.
They have geared up with a huge stockpile of salt to keep the Highlands' roads usable through the toughest of conditions, the authority assured motorists this week.
Having already stocked up with 35,000 tonnes of salt Highland Council says it has another big load ordered and "arrangements are in place to re-stock during the winter if the rate of use is high."
Within its winter roads maintenance budget of £5.22 million for 2016/17, the council is ready to salt the 6,744km of roads for which it has responsibility.
Trunk roads in Highland are the responsibility of Transport Scotland and their operators Bear Scotland.
"Highland Council’s road salt stocks are currently at 35,000 tonnes. Another 25,000 tonnes of salt are on order and due for delivery by November 1," said a spokeswoman for the council.
"Arrangements are in place to re-stock during the winter if the rate of use is high. The council’s suppliers have adequate reserves for this to happen and no shortage is anticipated.
"The council has 105 gritters, 45 footpath tractors and one snow cutter with over 200 staff providing winter maintenance services.
"Roads are gritted according to policy and priority. Primary routes are gritted Mondays to Saturdays 6am to 9pm and on Sundays and public holidays from 7am to 9pm.
"Secondary routes will follow the completion of primary routes and are gritted Mondays to Saturdays from 6am to 6pm within available resources. ‘Other’ routes are treated as resources permit. In extreme conditions all efforts will be made to keep primary routes clear."
The council is again supporting the Scottish Government’s Ready Scotland campaign at www.readyscotland.org and urges people in the Highlands to take some time to get ready for winter and all kinds of severe weather.
Councillor Allan Henderson, Highland Council’s Chair of Community Services Committee, said: “Are you ready at home and on the move for winter? Have you got a winter kit in your car? Are you prepared for all eventualities? Are you looking out for elderly neighbours? Do you know how to find out and what to do if your school is closed? I urge folks to be prepared and be ready for winter so that you are not caught out.”
In addition grit/salt bins on council roads have a telephone number displayed on them to allow the public to request a refill. The council’s Winter Maintenance Policy and existing local area gritting maps are on the council’s website at www.highland.gov.uk/gritting.
To find out if Highland schools are closed check the council’s website www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures or call the school information line on 0800 564 2272 and dial in your local school PIN number to get the latest pre-recorded message from the head teacher. The list of school PIN numbers is on the council’s website at www.highland.gov.uk/schoolclosures.
