Argyll and Bute is preparing for freezing temperatures with thousands of tonnes of salt stockpiled.
Councillor Ellen Morton, Argyll and Bute Council’s policy lead for roads and amenity services, said: “With a robust winter maintenance policy in place, a fleet of 40 vehicles, a salt stockpile over 12,000 tonnes, 12 road surface and weather monitoring stations and an extra £500,000 identified in this year’s budget, Argyll and Bute Council is ready for winter.
“When freezing conditions are forecast there are 31 priority routes which are pre-treated, or just over 750 miles of the road network; roughly equivalent to driving from Lochgilphead to Paris.
“Priority routes are chosen to maintain transport connections for as many communities as possible and fall into four categories, with the first three being pre-treated as required.”
She added: “Almost the entire road network in Argyll and Bute is looked after by the council, Bear Scotland look after the trunk roads in the area on behalf of Transport Scotland, the national transport body. Bear Scotland is responsible for the A82, A85, A828, and the A83.
“Footways are also treated in times of heavy snow or persistent freezing conditions, as resources allow, on a priority basis, with urban shopping areas and precincts being treated first.
“Grit heaps and salt bins are provided where possible throughout the council area to help members of the public help themselves during periods of severe weather.
“We are committed to delivering as good a winter service as we can, as far as the weather conditions and manpower allow. It is not possible to guarantee that all of a given route will be completely treated which is why a winter weather ready webpage and leaflet have been prepared, giving people useful tips on winter preparation and driving.”