Highland Council issues plea to drivers as mercury plummets: 'Please take care and give our gritter crews a toot of encouragement'
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THE cold snap that has witnessed sub-zero temperatures across the Highlands has prompted an assurance over gritting from the local authority – and an appeal for caution.
Slippery roads and pavements have triggered complaints in some of the worst affected areas in Ross-shire and beyond.
Highland Council this afternoon issued a statement on the current weather conditions in a bid to manage expectations and inform the public about the challenges its operatives face.
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It said: "With the current spell of wintry weather forecast to continue for the rest of the week, Highland Council has confirmed that crews across the Highlands are treating roads and pavements in accordance with it's Winter Maintenance Policy.
"They are also asking all drivers and pedestrians to be extra careful as generally the road surface temperature needs to rise a little before there is enough free moisture for the salt to work."
Chair of the economy and infrastructure committee, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “We are experiencing much colder weather than we could expect and, in many areas, we have seen snowfall followed by a sharp drop in temperatures below -5C. The ability of the salt to become effective is reduced in very cold conditions as salt is ineffective below -5C.
“Our crews are up and out before dawn each day and treating the roads in order of priority, main routes first, secondary routes and so on. The forecast for the next week to ten days suggests it will remain very cold throughout the day, giving little prospect of a thaw. Please drive to the conditions. Black ice can a very real danger at any time of the day. If you pass one of our gritter crews give them a toot or wave of encouragement, they deserve it.”
Details of the gritting routes for Primary, Secondary and Other roads for each geographical area are available on the Council’s website - https://www.highland.gov.uk/readyforwinter
The Head of Roads, Tracey Urry added: “We have the longest road network of any council in Scotland and unfortunately it is not possible to treat every road at the same time. That's why we have a priority system to treat the areas in greatest need first. We urge everyone to be extra careful when out and about in these wintry conditions.”
