2023/24 winter service plan approved for Inverness
Councillors have approved the Winter Service Plan for Inverness Area. At a meeting of the City of Inverness Area Committee today (28 August 2023) Councillors were informed that the winter service must be provided in line with the available budget and resources (plant, materials, and labour).
Following a request of Councillor Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness and Area a members’ briefing was held in June 2023 at which a number of actions to the Inverness winter service were added including the potential to mobilise up to 2 vehicles during periods of heavy overnight snowfall to treat strategic steep urban routes overnight to improve early morning travel; and improvements to fleet gritting lorries and mini tractors and grit bin provision.
Leader of Inverness and Area, Cllr Ian Brown said: “Councillors have decided on how staff will grit roads during the winter and where they will grit them within the available budget and resources.
“We urge communities in the Inverness area to make themselves aware of the council’s gritting priorities for roads and footpaths so that they are prepared for the first shower of snow or frost.
“It’s not possible to grit all roads and paths so we must prioritise, plan, and make sure that a gritting policy is in place and ready for action for the start of the winter season.
“Check out the gritting maps for your area. Find out if your street is on a priority route and if it’s not, now is the time to apply through your community council for help as the council can provide salt/grit bins, scrapers, and reflective waistcoats to allow an enhanced level of service. Apply as soon as possible."
Apply now for winter resilience community aid
Check out the handy information on the Ready Scotland website about being prepared for COLD - SNOW – ICE: at: ready.scot/respond/severe-weather/cold-snow-and-ice
Councillors have approved a gritting plan in which primary routes are treated first, followed by secondary routes and then all ‘other’ routes as resources permit.
Members also approved early morning treatment for a number of roads to begin at 05:00 during severe overnight weather conditions: These include King Duncan’s Rd, Mackintosh Rd, Ashton Rd, Ashton Cres, Midmills Rd, Crown Circus, Crown Rd, Academy St, Friars’ Ln, Bank St, Bridge St, Castle St, Ness Br, Young St, Tomnahurich St, Telford St, King Brude Rd, General Booth Rd, Leachkin Rd, Old Perth Rd, Inshes Rd, Milton of Leys Rd, Drumossie Br, B9006 Culloden Rd, Tower Rd, Barn Church Rd, Culloden Rd Balloch.
Councillors discussed the priorities, timings, and resources available for gritting the Inverness area network of 322km (32%) primary routes, 257km (25%) secondary routes and 448km (43%) other routes across Inverness area wards.