Safe Winter Driving: page 1

Safe Winter Driving

10 January 2000

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

Other roads are the responsibility of the local Councils.

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 to prevent ice forming and ploughed to clear snow.
From 1 November to 31 March, important strategic routes on the network are patrolled every 3 hours throughout the night and during daylight hours in adverse weather conditions.

Level of Service

On taking a decision to salt a route our contractors are 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, steep hills and areas adjacent to hospitals, schools and public buildings.

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.

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 a radio

During your journey

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
Listen to travel bulletins
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

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

Some helpful numbers

AA Roadwatch and Weatherwatch 0336 401117

RAC Travel News 0891 500242

Grampian Police Hotline 0336 401199

Highland Police Hotline 0336 401363

These calls will be charged at the appropriate rate

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,
Road Network Management and Maintenance Division, Victoria Quay,
Edinburgh EH6 6QQ
or telephone 0345 741 741

Forth Unit 01506 776588
Clyde Unit 01698 452171
Tay Unit 01382 834184
Autolink 0345 966666
North West Unit 01463 702661
North East Unit 0845 6031777
Central Scotland Unit 0845 6010567
South West Unit 01387 260110
South East Unit 01835 825076