2024/25 winter service plan approved for Lochaber Area

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

At the Lochaber Area Committee today (27 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.

Councillors discussed the priorities, timings, and resources available for gritting the Lochaber area network of 235km (35%) primary routes, 51km (7%) secondary routes and 395km (58%) other routes across Lochaber area wards.

The average annual usage of salt for the area is approximately 3,000 tonnes.

Lochaber Area Committee Chair, Cllr Kate Willis said: “The winter service plan 2024/25 sets out how The Highland Council will grit Council roads and footpaths during the winter and where they will grit them within the available budget and resources.

“We encourage communities in the Lochaber 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.

“You can now apply via your community council for winter resilience community aid, as the council can provide salt/grit bins, scrapers, and reflective waistcoats to allow an enhanced level of service.”

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 (external link)

Councillors have approved gritting plans in which primary routes are treated first, followed by secondary routes and then all ‘other’ routes as resources permit.