2024/25 Winter Service Plan for Badenoch and Strathspey

Badenoch and Strathspey Members have approved the area’s Winter Service Plan which will help to manage the condition of roads and footpaths during extreme cold weather.

Cllr Russell Jones, Area Chair said: “Although our summer weather has not been fantastic, we must now prepare for winter and early preparation is the key to being prepared for winter cold snaps. We must make sure that the priority roads and pavements in our area receive consistent and appropriate treatment to help protect the safety of drivers and pedestrians on these routes.”

In line with Council policy: Primary routes are treated first, thereafter secondary routes and then all other routes being treated as resources permit. The exception to this will be where a gritter has to travel across a secondary or other route to treat a higher priority road.

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.

He continued: “We do have a large roads network and resources must be employed strategically. Therefore, we have to encourage communities to self-help as much as possible so to better bolster our preparedness. If you have any neighbours who need some extra assistance then, if you are able, please do offer to help in clearing snow and ice outside of their home. Please also be aware of parking on priority routes so gritters can continue to have access to treat the road.”

The Council will continue to provide communities with salt/grit, bins, scrapers and reflective waistcoats. This does not replace the service provided by the Council and aims to empower communities to enhance the winter service. Applications for the Winter Resilience scheme can be made on the Council’s website and helpful videos on using grit bins can be found on the Council’s YouTube channel.

National guidance supporting the public to be prepared for emergencies and extreme weather is available at www.ready.scot.