Council prepares North Ayrshire roads for winter months

The annual winter dry run took place earlier this month as North Ayrshire Council readies itself for the winter months.

Roads staff took part in the exercise as part of the Council’s ongoing preparations to ensure roads, footways and communities remain safe and accessible during periods of severe weather.

This follows a meeting of Cabinet – where Councillors approved the Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2026/27.

The Plan sets out how the local authority will respond to snow, ice, flooding and other weather-related challenges throughout the winter period.

The Council has a statutory duty to take reasonable steps to prevent snow and ice endangering pedestrians and vehicles. Each year, extensive planning takes place to ensure resources, staff, vehicles and equipment are ready before winter conditions arrive.

Preparations for the coming season include the storage of 6,000 tonnes of salt at the Goldcraigs Depot and 2,400 tonnes on Arran, ensuring robust supplies are available across North Ayrshire. Salt levels will be monitored throughout the winter and replenished where necessary.

The Council’s winter fleet includes 14 gritters, supported by snow ploughs, tractors and specialist equipment, while 41 drivers and additional operational staff are available to respond to adverse weather. Around 565 grit bins are also positioned across the area to support community resilience and allow residents to help keep local routes safe.

North Ayrshire’s priority gritting routes, developed using thermal mapping technology, focus on strategic roads, bus routes and key transport links most likely to be affected by freezing conditions. Weather forecasts and road condition monitoring are used daily to inform treatment decisions and ensure resources are deployed where they are needed most.

In addition to winter road maintenance, the Council remains responsible throughout the year for operating flood protection measures in Largs and Saltcoats, including the deployment of flood barriers and gates during severe coastal weather events.C

“The dry run is hugely important and makes sure we have systems and routes in place and the teams are ready for the colder weather.

"The weather is unpredictable but we can make sure we are as prepared as possible to respond quickly and effectively when conditions deteriorate.

"The Roads team do a fantastic job as we were delighted to approve Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan will help us keep North Ayrshire moving, protect vulnerable communities and minimise disruption during periods of severe weather."

The Council's winter standby period will run from 22 October 2026 until 8 April 2027, although arrangements can be extended if required by weather conditions

Published: 20 October 2026