Winter Maintenance

From 1 October to 15 May, a 24-hour dedicated winter maintenance service operates on all Scotland's trunk roads.

During this period when conditions require it, roads and footpaths are salted to prevent ice forming and are ploughed to clear snow. For the last two winters, pre-wetted salting has been used on the Northwest and South West Units and for the past winter on all four Trunk Road Units.

From 1 November to 31 March, routes most at risk to winter conditions are patrolled between midnight and 8am, and during the day in adverse weather conditions.

The operating companies contracted to maintain the trunk road network include winter maintenance in their cyclic and routine maintenance programmes. This includes clearing ice and snow from footpaths and cycleways that form part of the trunk road system with prioirty given to busy urban areas.

Transport Scotland is investing £8.5 million this year, to keep Scotland moving.  The trunk road operating companies monitor road conditions around the clock to ensure that  trunk roads and motorways are kept in a safe condition for road users.  A lot of work is carried out through the summer to ensure the winter maintenance plans are up to date, resources are available and the operating companies are able to cope with the worst conditions. 

• North East Unit Winter Service Plan 2009-10 (PDF, 7 Mb)
• North West Unit Winter Service Plan 2009-10 (PDF, 2.8 Mb)
• South East Unit Winter Service Plan 2009-10 (PDF, 3.9 Mb)
• South West Unit Winter Service Plan 2009-10 (PDF, 2.9 Mb)

Additionally, our Traffic Scotland service has been enhanced so that drivers benefit from up-to-the-minute traffic and travel information.

We urge drivers to take extra precautions in winter weather conditions. Despite the high level of service provided there will be times when motorways and trunk roads will not remain completely free  of snow and ice.

Playing Your Part - Sensible Planning for Winter Driving

Sudden weather changes do occur so you should be aware that -

• Access to the network is not always possible
• It takes time for salt to become effective
• Rain can wash salt off roads
• In extremely low temperatures, salting will not always prevent ice forming

Plan Ahead

• Check the weather forecast at the Met Office website and road conditions at Traffic Scotland or you can also access this service by calling 0800 028 1414
• Consider alternative routes
• Consider alternative modes of transport (Go to Traveline Scotland or TransportDirect for public transport information)
• Allow extra time for your journey
• Ensure that your vehicle is prepared for the journey
• Carry warm clothing, blankets, hot drinks, a torch, a shovel and a radio

During your journey

• Listen to travel bulletins
• Reduce speed in bad weather
• Maintain safe stopping distances
• Avoid sudden acceleration and braking
• Use dipped headlights in poor conditions
• Take breaks every two or three hours
• Do not pass closed snow gates
• Observe information on Variable Message Signs

If stranded

• Ensure that your vehicle will not block access for emergency vehicles (abandoned vehicles can obstruct gritters)
• Remain in your vehicle
• Maintain your circulation by moving about
• Use engine to keep warm but switch engine off if exhaust cannot vent
• Keep an airway open if snowed over.

Last year's advice leaflets are still available for reference:

• North East Unit Winter Service Plan 2008-09 (PDF, 2.7 Mb)
• North West Unit Winter Service Plan 2008-09 (PDF, 2.6 Mb)
• South East Unit Winter Service Plan 2008-09 (PDF, 2.7 Mb)
• South West Unit Winter Service Plan 2008-09 (PDF, 6.1 Mb)

More advice can be found in the Scottish Government Safe Winter Driving Leaflet.