Scotland gears up to face another tough winter
With winter expected to arrive early, Scotland's roads agency is readying for severe weather.
A gritter tackling the worst of the conditions in Perth last winter.
- By Sandra Gray
- Published in the Courier : 04.10.11
- Published online : 04.10.11 @ 11.55am
Transport Scotland has launched a £15 million initiative to ensure the country's 2,000-mile motorway and trunk network can be treated when the snow and ice arrive.
Scottish Government transport minister Keith Brown was in Perth on Monday to inspect stocks and equipment at Tayside Contracts' depot on the Inveralmond Industrial Estate.
The depot boasts a fleet of gritting lorries, including a dedicated vehicle that enables salt from brine to be mixed with grit as an alternative to mined salt.
''There are quite a number of things being done, including investment in capital equipment,'' said Mr Brown. ''We now have trucks that are specially adapted and have a weather sensor installed which feeds back to central locations.
''Our salt stock levels for the whole country are also at 70% of the total levels used last year. There are a whole host of things going on behind the scenes.''
He also revealed that the Scottish Government had taken a look at how other countries prepare for severe weather and were following in Canada's footsteps by organising a week-long series of ''winter preparedness'' events at the end of the month.
The Winter Service operation involves more than 38 depots and more than 230 vehicles, most of which are gritters and snow ploughs.
Mr Brown told The Courier he was confident the work being done in advance of winter will go some way to preventing a repeat of the chaos of last year, when major routes were closed due to heavy snowfall and icy conditions.
He added: ''When the severe weather comes, there will be disruption even with the best-laid plans, but our operating companies are better prepared to get Scotland moving again due to our focus on improvement since last winter.
''We already have a significant stock of salt available but we also have provisions in place for re-stocking should we require it.
''There is a great economic benefit if we can buy the salt over the summer as we get it at a better price, because if we have to compete with other people during winter, then the costs rise.
''We have done a great job of being prepared, although it should be noted that there was no problem with salt levels last year.''
The first major forecast for the next three months was issued by the Met Office at the weekend and it suggested that this winter is going to be the third in a series of five with severe weather.
Six new weather stations are being commissioned, bringing the total in Scotland to 141, and almost half of these will have camera coverage to ensure that information gathered is as up to date as possible.
''We are working with our partners across the public and private sectors to ensure our winter service is as prepared as possible,'' he said. ''We've improved how we get information to our road users and they can play their part too.
''Advance journey planning can be a valuable tool which can help speed up journey times for businesses and commuters this winter, while bringing benefits to the environment.
''Our key aim is that when disruption does occur, we can pull together to tackle the conditions as quickly as possible and get the country moving again.''
10.25pm - 04.10.2011 Jill - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Bring back local salt bins in all areas so residents can do their part too!
12.25pm - 05.10.2011 Chris - Lanarkshire, Scotland Report This
Last years and the year before were PR disasters for the SNP govt.! Looks like they have learned their lesson and that we can have relatively easy journeys to work. Anything would be better than the chaos, crisis management and political shenanigans from last November.
02.10pm - 05.10.2011 Jason Petsch - Edinburgh, UK Report This
Encouraging to see that organisations are finally starting to think about the weather before it arrives. Public confidence is in need of an boost, following the experiences of the last few winters. Jason Petsch GRITIT
01.37pm - 01.11.2011 Thornindaside - perth, scotland Report This
Saw a gritter working in South Methven St. in Perth yesterday.,Don't know if PKC were expecting a frosty night,erring on the side of caution or just having a practise run.
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