LOCAL ROADS
Highland has the longest road network of any Council within Scotland and as such it is simply not possible to treat every road at the same time. We have therefore established a priority system which targets roads based on their local importance.
- Priority 1 - is given to identified main routes and these will be covered from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday - Saturday. On Sundays and Public Holidays the cover is from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
- Priority 2 - is given to other strategic routes, including bus routes* and the cover is 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Saturday.
- Priority 3 - applies to urban streets and school bus routes* and the cover is between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday - Saturday.
- Priority 4 - applies all other routes as resources allow. Difficult and steep routes being treated before the rest.
*On bus routes, gritting will not necessarily be completed before buses start their journey.
FOOTWAYS
Like roads, footways have been prioritised and will be covered Monday to Saturday between 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. On Sundays and Public Holidays, the cover will be between 7 a.m. and noon.
- Priority One: Main urban shopping centres;
- Priority Two: main urban footways serving schools, hospitals and minor shopping areas;
- Priority Three: Other footways as resources permit.
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TRUNK ROADS
The Council are not responsible for the gritting of Trunk Roads within Highland. Two companies, BEAR Scotland and Scotland TranServ, are responsible for the management and maintenance of trunk roads, the main strategic routes in the Highlands, which are owned by the Scottish Executive.
For A96 and A95 contact:
BEAR Scotland - Tel. 0800 587 1108
For A9, A82, A86, A87, A830, A835, A887, A889 contact:
Scotland TranServ - Tel. 0800 032 2520
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ADVICE TO MOTORISTS
Motorists are advised to listen to weather forecasts and check with the Highland Road Hotline telephone numbers before setting off on a journey. These numbers have been set up to relieve the police control room of congestion at times of bad weather.
They are 09003 401 363 (Highland roads and links to the south) and 09003 401 100 (all other areas of Scotland).
Look out for ice
Winter weather can be very variable and it is easy to be caught out by sudden changes. In the Highlands, black ice can be a particular danger. It is not readily visible and can persist or recur even after the road surface has been treated with salt.
Dawn frosts can also catch drivers unawares. At first light a clear sky will allow heat to radiate quickly from the road surface causing icy patches to form on wet or damp roads.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Before you travel make sure your vehicle is fit for the journey.
- Check the anti-freeze level and strength in your radiator.
- Top up the windscreen washer and add screen wash additive suitable for winter conditions.
- Prepare for frost by keeping a de-icer spray and scraper in the car and another set at home.
- Check that your tyres have plenty of tread depth and are at the correct pressure.
- Check fan belt and battery are both in good order.
Prepare Yourself
If you are going on a long journey, it is always a good idea to pack the following:-
- A flask with a hot drink and some food.
- Extra warm clothing and/or blankets.
- A torch, wellingtons and a shovel.
REMEMBER - IF YOU GET STUCK, STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE UNTIL HELP COMES TO YOU. NEVER ATTEMPT TO WALK TO SAFETY. IF RUNNING THE VEHICLE ENGINE, BEWARE OF A BUILD UP OF SUFFOCATING EXHAUST FUMES. ENSURE ADEQUATE VENTILATION.
STREET LIGHTING
At this time of the year, there is an increased risk of accidents, theft and burglary. It is therefore important to report street lighting faults so they can be repaired as soon as possible.
Please report faults to your Service Point during working hours and 0845 769 7284 (out of hours).
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