Gritting crews on standby as East Renfrewshire Council prepares for winter
The Council's winter maintenance service begins today (21 October) with gritters on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week throughout the winter season.
Published: 21 October 2024
From now until the end of the second week in April, teams will respond around the clock to weather alerts, and ensure key priority routes are safe and passable.
With 3,600 tonnes of salt in stock and 10 gritters ready for action, the Council is well equipped to manage more than 295 miles of gritting routes across East Renfrewshire.
Winter controllers receive road updates and weather forecasts from specialist weather forecasters at least three times a day. Roadside sensors also send information to help check road conditions. Warnings of frost, freezing or snow conditions will result in precautionary salting of priority routes.
Priority routes cover more than 56% of the total road network with 171 miles of roads salted in runs. This includes: 'A' roads, 'B' roads, one access route to fire stations and bus access routes, including one access route to each school served by a dedicated bus service. Tractors are also on hand to treat areas of higher ground.
In advance of the winter season commencing, essential dry runs have been carried out by gritting crews to check routes, prepare vehicles and train colleagues.
Councillor Owen O'Donnell, Leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said: 'It's great to hear that the Council's gritting teams are well prepared and ready for the winter ahead. They may not always be seen but throughout periods of cold and winter weather they'll always be out when they're required - whether that's during the night, early in the morning, over weekends or on public holidays.
'Although priority routes cover more than half of all roads in East Renfrewshire, and teams grit additional routes during prolonged periods of severe weather where possible, resources don't allow us to grit every road and pavement across the area, so it's always appreciated when residents can grit their driveways and pavements or check on vulnerable or elderly neighbours.
'My thanks goes to all of the drivers, controllers and the teams who work hard each winter, during difficult conditions to keep East Renfrewshire moving, all whilst continuing to carry out maintenance and investment on our roads.'
The Council maintains 329 standard grit bins and 17 community grit bins during the winter, with people encouraged to use the free salt available.
Residents can also stay up to date with the Council's gritting plans on their social media channels.
