Improvements to winter maintenance service

Improvements to the winter maintenance service provided by The Highland Council were confirmed by the Transport Environmental and Community Service Committee at its meeting today (Thursday 19 September 2013).

A review of priority routes has resulted in a 76-mile increase in the length of Priority One routes to 1,319 miles (31% of the network).

Snow gates are to be installed on the Bealach na Ba – the high route to Applecross, Wester Ross – to allow the road to be closed in heavy/drifting snow in the interest of public safety. An alternative coastal route is available.

An improved service on Priority 1 and 2 routes is to be provided on Boxing Day and 2nd January in recognition that they have become busy shopping days.

Three additional snow clearing vehicles – one per operational area – have been sourced for the coming winter.

Sheltered housing footpaths have been included in the schedule of footpath routes and 18 Community Councils have already responded to an offer to provide a self-help snow-clearing service.

Grit bins now have a telephone number displayed to allow the public to request a refill.

Councillor Graham Phillips, Chairman of the Council’s TEC Services Committee, said:  “We are introducing a number of enhancements in response to comments from the public and in recognition of the importance the public attach to keeping our roads and footpaths clear of snow and ice during the winter.”