2024/25 winter service plan approved for Inverness

Councillors have approved the Winter Service Plan for Inverness Area which starts on 14 October 2024 and runs till 14 April 2025.

At the City of Inverness Area Committee today (19 August 2024) Councillors were informed that the winter service must be provided in line with the available budget and resources (plant, materials, and labour) available.

Leader of Inverness and Area, Cllr Ian Brown said: “Councillors have decided on how Highland Council staff will grit Council roads and footpaths 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 winter impacts in their community.

“Don’t wait until it snows to ask for support in your community, 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 at: https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/download/836/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 gritting plans in which primary routes are treated first, followed by secondary routes and then all ‘other’ routes as resources permit. Maps of the priority routes approved today can be viewed at:

Members also approved early morning treatment for a number of roads to begin at 05:00 following severe overnight weather conditions for the following gritting routes:

• 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 332km (32%) primary routes, 257km (25%) secondary routes and 448km (43%) other routes across Inverness area wards.

Seventeen gritters and ten footpath tractors are used to apply on average around 10,000 tonnes of salt each year on Inverness area council roads. Before the start of the winter season there is sufficient salt in stock or on order across the Council’s depots. Members noted that in times of extreme exceptional weather circumstances local contractors are available who can supply equipment and operators to assist in clearing deep snow at short notice.