Transport / Gritting could return to main roads on Christmas and New Year’s days
GRITTING could return to some of Shetland’s roads on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Shetland Islands Council is proposing to introduce proactive gritting of priority one roads on these public holidays when weather conditions require.
This is a change to the current policy, which only sees gritting taking place on these days when there is a blue light emergency.
It comes after concern around some aspects of the winter service was raised during a review.
The proposal to introduce some gritting on 25 December and 1 January – if the weather requires it – is designed to improve safety for the increased number of road users travelling on these days.
Priority one roads are those linking major centres of population, major industrial sites and ferry terminals. They also include the main routes through Lerwick.
It is proposed to grit in the morning only on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but with a spread rate of 40 g/m2 to increase the amount of salt retained on the road into the afternoon.
There would be no treatment on days where snow ploughs would need to be fitted to gritters, as this requires double manning and could not be delivered with the staff likely to be available.
However, in all circumstances a gritting crew will be on standby in each area of Shetland to respond to emergencies.
This proposal would be supported by unions and staff representatives, but additional demands must remain safe for staff, a report to councillors states.
The cost of this would be £15,000 through extra gritting material and enhanced pay for drivers.
There is also a proposal to implement ‘action cards’ and associated call-logging arrangements to support requests for additional snow clearing or gritting from emergency services.
These actions cards would provide “concise and clear” information designed to guide people through the necessary steps during an urgent or emergency response.
They would also provide emergency contacts.
Councillors, who will have the final say on the matter, are being recommended to implement the adjustments to the winter arrangements.
A report on the topic will go to the environment and transport committee on Monday, with the final approval set for the full council on 25 September.
The review of roads winter maintenance arrangements will continue, which will include any possible adjustments to pavement gritting.
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