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Council approve winter roads plan
North Ayrshire Council has issued its detailed plan explaining how they will ensure local roads are safe for motorists throughout the year.
At a meeting of Cabinet, Councillors approved the Roads Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan for 2025/26.
As well as covering the plans in place for the cold weather over the winter months, it also explains that the Council has responsibility for the management and operation of the coastal flood protection controls at Largs and Saltcoats.
The report highlights the recent fluctuations in weather conditions. Last winter season, which was generally a mild winter, the Service used 4,985 tonnes of salt, this was slightly less than the previous year when the Council used 5,848 tonnes of salt treating the road network. However in winter 2020/21, which was a colder winter, the Service used 8,153 tonnes of salt during the winter. This year a total of 6,000 tonnes of salt will be stored at the Goldcraigs Depot and 2,400 tonnes at the Market Road Depot on Arran. More can be obtained if required.
The stand-by period for carriageway treatments will be 23 October 2025 until 9 April 2026. This period may be extended beyond the given dates if required.
Arrangements have also been made with the Council’s Streetscene team, who will assist with the treatment of priority footways over the winter season and stand-by arrangements are also in place with Streetscene to treat footways, when necessary, at weekends from 22 November 2025 through to 8 February 2026 and over the festive holiday period.
The role of communities is recognised and grit bins will be replenished to allow communities to self-help during periods of adverse weather within available resources over the winter period.
A winter dry run took place earlier in October where the roads team checked routes, vehicles and made sure they were ready and prepared for the winter months.
Quote: Our roads team started planning for this a number of months ago, looking at what they have learned from previous years so preparations and effective arrangements are in place. The aim is to keep North Ayrshire’s roads clear and its drivers and residents safe in the wintry weather conditions we could experience in the coming months. In addition to this, we are responsible for the management and operation of the coastal flood protection controls at Largs and Saltcoats. The Council also will close the flood gates on the promenades and erect the flood barriers at Largs Pier in advance of predicted severe weather with minimum disruption to promenade users and the Largs to Cumbrae ferry. All of this is documented in the plan I would like to thank the Roads team for their hard work throughout the year, and especially now as they prepare us for winter.”
Quote from: Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy
Published: 05 November 2025