Winter maintenance plans for roads and paths in Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh
The Winter Maintenance Plan for the Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh this coming winter 2022/23 has been approved by Members of their Area Committee (29 August 2022).
Newly appointed Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Area Committee Chair, Cllr Biz Campbell said: “It is important that we agree a plan for managing our roads and footpaths in the winter months, and that we prioritise Primary routes, of which there is over 250km in our area. We ask people to be aware of our community members who may need assistance from neighbours for clearing snow and ice or accessing services during extreme weather conditions.”
The report for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh’s Winter Maintenance Plan, presents the current position regarding the delivery of The Highland Council winter service for 2022/23.
Members approved the plan, which includes priority routes and maps. The plan explains that primary routes are treated first, followed by secondary routes and then all ‘other’ routes as resources permit.
The Council’s Winter Service Policy is in place to ensure a consistent level of service between areas and to ensure, as far as possible, the safety of drivers and pedestrians. However, the operation of that Policy does not, and cannot, ensure that every road and footway will be free of ice or snow at all times.
The Council publishes ‘Winter Services’ leaflets for each operational area providing the public with information on snow clearing and gritting of Council roads along with maps showing the priority attributed to individual roads.
Drivers should take account of prevailing weather and road conditions
- Winter weather conditions within the Highlands can be very localised
- Black ice can be a particular danger. You cannot see it and it can still be there even after treatment
- Dawn frosts can also catch drivers unaware. 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
- Make sure your vehicle is fit for the journey
- Top up the windscreen-washer
- Check that all your lights are working – remember ‘it’s not to see, but to be seen’
- Check your tyre pressures and tread depths
- Consider the benefits of fitting winter tyres, particularly if you are driving in rural areas
- Prepare for frost by keeping a de-icer spray and scraper in the car.
Prepare yourself
- Take a blanket or extra warm clothing
- Take a flask with a hot drink and some food
- Take a torch, boots and a shovel