A new Trunk Road Gritter Tracker has been launched on the Traffic Scotland website, so that road users can check where and when gritters have been active on routes in their areas this winter.
The tracker is just one of the systems Transport Scotland will use to help mitigate the effects of bad weather. Investment in other hi-tech equipment, such as its network of 161 weather stations, is continuing so that the trunk road maintenance companies get the data they need to respond to all types of conditions, including rain and high winds.
“We are continuing to invest in innovative equipment so that we can help keep the trunk roads moving,” said Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf, adding: “Last year we cleared the trunk roads of ice and snow 11,000 times, so we have maintained our salt stocks and have more winter plant available than ever before including 208 gritters at our disposal.
“We can’t deliver this comprehensive service without the input of a wide variety of partners. The Met Office work alongside us at the Traffic Scotland National Control Centre in South Queensferry, and we continue to work with Police Scotland to manage incidents in the fiercest of conditions.”
Chief Superintendent Andy Edmonston, from Police Scotland’s Road Policing Division, commented: “We all want to be able to keep moving safely this winter. A few simple precautions, when taken by drivers to prepare themselves and their vehicles for the winter ahead, will reduce the risk of avoidable breakdowns, incidents or collisions that can cause injuries and lengthy hold-ups on our roads.
“Police Scotland will shortly be setting up a special section on our website where useful information will be posted, alongside a link to a short YouTube video which shows drivers how to carry out basic vehicle safety checks. I would encourage everyone to visit the site and follow the advice given. If you’re unsure about a potential defect or unable to carry out the safety checks yourself, ask a friend or family member for assistance, or visit one of the many garages across Scotland that offer pre-winter inspection services.
“In bad weather conditions, we recommend checking relevant social media for road reports and weather updates.”
