We’re ready for winter, says Argyll and Bute Council as roads budget is confirmed

A budget of £1.65m has been made available to keep roads clear in Argyll and Bute this winter.

The council this week set out its winter maintenance arrangements – featuring 40 vehicles, nearly 15,000 tonnes of salt and 12 monitoring stations to check weather and road conditions.Ellen Morton, policy lead for roads and amenity services, said the council would be ‘ready for winter’.

“Despite the financial challenges the council faces we recognise that winter maintenance is a vital service which is why we have, as we did last year, made an extra £500,000 available, meaning we have a budget of around £1,650,000 to keep Argyll and Bute moving during the winter months.

‘’When freezing conditions are forecast there are 31 priority routes which are pre-treated, or just over 750 miles of the road network; roughly equivalent to driving from Lochgilphead to Paris.

‘’Priority routes are chosen to maintain transport connections for as many communities as possible and fall into four categories, with the first three being pre-treated as required.’’

More detail on the treatment schedule is available in the committee report here .

Councillor Morton continued: “Almost the entire road network in Argyll and Bute is looked after by the council. Bear Scotland look after the trunk roads in the area on behalf of Transport Scotland, the national transport body. Trunk roads are the A82, A85, A828, and the A83.

‘’Footways are also treated in times of heavy snow or persistent freezing conditions, as resources allow, on a priority basis, with urban shopping areas and precincts being treated first.

‘’Grit heaps and salt bins are provided where possible throughout the council area to help members of the public help themselves during periods of severe weather.

‘’We are committed to delivering as good a winter service as we can, as far as the weather conditions and manpower allow. It is not possible to guarantee that all of a given route will be completely treated which is why a winter weather ready webpage and leaflet have been prepared, giving people useful tips on winter preparation and driving.’’