From 1 October to 15 May, a 24-hour dedicated winter maintenance service operates on all Scotland's trunk roads.
During this period when conditions require it, roads and footpaths are salted to prevent ice forming and are ploughed to clear snow. For the last two winters, pre-wetted salting has been used on the Northwest and South West Units and for the past winter on all four Trunk Road Units.
From 1 November to 31 March, routes most at risk to winter conditions are patrolled between midnight and 8am, and during the day in adverse weather conditions.
The operating companies contracted to maintain the trunk road network include winter maintenance in their cyclic and routine maintenance programmes. This includes clearing ice and snow from footpaths and cycleways that form part of the trunk road system with prioirty given to busy urban areas.
Transport Scotland is an active member of the National Salt Spreading Research Group (NSSRG), a group of Highway Authorities, Road Operators and Consultants that carry out pioneering research into de-icing materials to aid the removal of ice and snow from the trunk road network. The NSSRG strive to improve the winter maintenance provided on trunk roads by investigating the most efficient and effective methods of de-icing. For more information on the future research planned by this organisation please see the NSSRG publicity leaflet.
Playing Your Part - Sensible Planning for Winter Driving
Sudden weather changes do occur so you should be aware that -
- Access to the network is not always possible
- It takes time for salt to become effective
- Rain can wash salt off roads
- In extremely low temperatures, salting will not always prevent ice forming
Plan Ahead
- Check the weather forecast at the Met Office website and road conditions at Traffic Scotland or you can also access this service by calling 0800 028 1414
- Consider alternative routes
- Consider alternative modes of transport (Go to Traveline Scotland or TransportDirect for public transport information)
- Allow extra time for your journey
- Ensure that your vehicle is prepared for the journey
- Carry warm clothing, blankets, hot drinks, a torch, a shovel and a radio
During your journey
- Listen to travel bulletins
- Reduce speed in bad weather
- Maintain safe stopping distances
- Avoid sudden acceleration and braking
- Use dipped headlights in poor conditions
- Take breaks every two or three hours
- Do not pass closed snow gates
- Observe information on Variable Message Signs
If stranded
- Ensure that your vehicle will not block access for emergency vehicles (abandoned vehicles can obstruct gritters)
- Remain in your vehicle
- Maintain your circulation by moving about
- Use engine to keep warm but switch engine off if exhaust cannot vent
- Keep an airway open if snowed over.
More advice can be found in the Scottish Government Safe Winter Driving Leaflet.
