Keep safe on the roads this winter
Posted on 8 Nov 2023
North Ayrshire’s drivers are being urged to stay safe on the roads this winter as the colder weather begins to arrive.
The Council’s Roads Team are now on weather watch for any snow and ice forecast from now until April 2024.
A squad of 35 drivers and 15 multi-purpose vehicles will be available 24/7 to keep the area’s priority routes in use throughout winter.
North Ayrshire Council is responsible for the majority of roads in the area although trunk roads such as the A78, A737 and A738 are operated, maintained and gritted by Amey.
Some 7,000 tonnes of road salt is stocked at the Council’s mainland storage depot in Kilwinning, with a further 2,500 tonne stockpile being kept at the depot at Brodick in Arran, ready for use to help keep roads clear.
Salt is also stored at strategic points throughout the area for use by residents. There are approximately 500 grit bins and 15 larger community bins from which residents can collect salt for personal use on roads, driveways or footpaths.
Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy, said: “Our roads team have already carried out a practice run in our gritters to ensure they are ready to respond immediately if and when the winter weather arrives.
“Our team is well prepared for the winter conditions, with plans in place to ensure our priority routes are clear and keep North Ayrshire moving.”
At its meeting today, North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet approved the Roads Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2023/24.
While the Council’s plans are in place, there are also a few simple measures can help make life much easier for motorists as we await the worst of the winter weather.
- ensure your vehicle is well prepared – have it fully serviced. Get your battery checked before winter starts and carry out your own regular checks on the brakes, tyres, lights and make sure fluids are kept topped up
- plan your journeys in advance – check local/national weather forecasts and make sure the condition of your route is safe to travel on – and sign up to Met Office warnings
- Make sure all snow is cleared from your car before driving – don’t drive with snow on the vehicle roof or windows. Also, de-mist your car properly before setting off.
- keep an emergency kit in your car at all times. In the event you are stranded due to a snow storm or flood, handy items include a mobile phone and charger, shovel, wellington boots, gloves, de-icing equipment, torch, blankets and tow rope.
For more details on staying safe on the roads this winter, visit the Council’s website at https://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/winter-gritting.aspx
The website also includes information on gritting, where to find your nearest grit bin and advice on clearing snow and ice from public footways.
More information and guidance is also available on the Ready Scotland website https://ready.scot/