The Scottish Government

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Safe WINTER DRIVING

WINTER MAINTENANCE ON SCOTLAND'S
MOTORWAYS AND TRUNK ROADS

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The Scottish Executive maintains motorways
and trunk roads to allow safe movement of traffic and to minimise delays caused by adverse weather conditions.

Local councils are responsible for other roads.

Winter Services

• From 1 October to 15 May, a 24-hour dedicated winter service operates on all Scotland's trunk roads.
• During this period roads and footpaths are salted and ploughed to clear ice and snow.
• From 1 November to 31 March, important routes on the network are patrolled throughout the night, and in adverse weather conditions, during daylight hours.

Level of Service

On taking a decision to salt a route our contractor is required to:

• Commence salt spreading within 1 hour and
• Complete salt spreading on the route within 2 hours of starting.

Cyclists and Pedestrians

• Our contractors are required to clear ice and snow from footpaths and cycleways that form part of the trunk road system with priority given to busy urban areas.

Play your Part

Despite the high level of service provided there will be times when trunk roads will not remain completely free
of snow and ice. Sudden weather changes occur and motorists should be aware that:

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

In winter it is even more important to check that your vehicle is well maintained and serviced. Motorists should:

• Keep the lights, windows and mirrors clean and free from ice and snow.
• Add anti-freeze to the radiator and winter additive to the windscreen washer bottles.
• Make sure wipers and lights are in good working order.
• Check that tyres have plenty of tread depth and are maintained at the correct pressure.

Plan Ahead

• Check the weather forecast and road conditions.
• Consider alternative routes.
• Consider alternative modes of transport.
• 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 suitable footwear.
• Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive.
• Visit the Scottish Executive website www.nadics.org.uk to identify any problems on the trunk roads.

During your Journey

• Reduce speed in bad weather.
• Increase 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.
• Listen to travel bulletins.
• Observe information on Variable Message Signs.

If Stranded

• Ensure that your vehicle will not block access (abandoned vehicles can obstruct spreaders).
• If possible remain in your vehicle unless there is a safety risk.
• Maintain your circulation by moving about.
• Use engine to keep warm unless exhaust cannot vent.
• Keep an airway open if snowed over.

Other Types of Adverse Winter Conditions

Watch out for Fog

• It drifts rapidly and is often patchy.
• In foggy conditions, drive very slowly using dipped headlights.
• Use fog-lights if visibility is seriously reduced, but remember to switch them off when visibility improves.
• Don't hang on to the tail-lights of the vehicle in front.
• This gives you a false sense of security and means you may be driving too close.
• Don't speed up suddenly, even if it seems to be clearing. You can suddenly find yourself back in thick fog.

Winter Sun

• Dazzle from winter sun can be dangerous. If it is below the visor use sunglasses.

Flooded Roads

• Don't attempt to cross if the water seems too deep.
• Drive slowly in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch - this will stop you from stalling.
• Avoid the deepest water, usually near the kerb.
• Remember - test your brakes when you are through the flood before you drive at normal speed.

Traffic information is available on NADICS website: www.nadics.org.uk

If you have any comments to make on trunk road winter maintenance please write to:

The Scottish Executive
Trunk Roads - Network Management Division
Victoria Quay
Edinburgh EH6 6QQ

TO DRIVE CAREFULLY
OF THE PREVAILING ROAD CONDITIONS
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TAKE ACCOUNT