Renfrewshire ready to deal with winter weather

Council workers are ready to treat the Renfrewshire roads in an effort to make them safer for winter motorists.

Councillor Eddie Devine with members of the gritting team

The annual 24 hour winter cover is in place to deal with the effects of snow and ice- with gritters working on a priority basis to ensure all main school and bus routes, and access for emergency services, remain available.

The council ensures it is #RenReady for winter from October 1 to March 31, and during this time there are over 20 drivers on standby 24/7, with other staff available to assist as required.

Weather reports from the Met Office are constantly monitored throughout this time and if there is a predicted drop in temperature to below freezing or snow is possible, the gritting team is mobilised as a preventative measure.

Councillor Eddie Devine with members of the gritting team

Over 5000 tonnes of salt has been purchased to treat more than 500km of road and 800km of pavement across the area throughout the winter period.

There are also over 400 grit bins being provided across Renfrewshire to assist residents where roads are not on essential gritting routes.

The council is also urging residents ensure they themselves are #RenReady to face the winter weather by preparing in advance for long journeys and the commute to work to safeguard against disruption.

Councillor Eddie Devine, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Environment Policy Board said: “We are committed as a council to ensuring our roads are safe throughout the winter period.

“As with every year, our highly-skilled gritting team are available 24 hours a day to salt the roads through the night for the benefit of motorists.

“The team is always on alert to ensure that we stay ahead of any poor weather conditions which can affect our roads at this time of year- and will continue to do so until the freezing weather subsides.

Further information on winter gritting can be found via: www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/wintergritting

For more information about the Ready for Winter campaign, including how you can be prepared for the winter period, go to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/ccs

Updates on gritting and winter weather advice are also available on Renfrewshire Council’s Twitter @RenCouncilNews and Facebook page www.facebook.com/renfrewshirecouncil and using the hashtag #RenReady.