This year might have been one like no other but the Council is ready to respond to the challenges of the coming winter in order to keep its traffic and pedestrians safe and moving.
The Council's Winter Service Policy for 2020/21 guides how the Council responds to all cold weather conditions over the winter period including our response to severe weather, be it heavy snow, rain or freezing temperatures.
However, this year we've also had to plan for the potential impact that Covid-19 may have on the delivery of the service.
Joint Council Leader Andrew Polson, said, "Dealing with the effects of snow and ice on our roads is a complex operation, but the people of East Dunbartonshire should know that keeping everyone moving is a top priority for the Council.
"Following this week’s colder weather our gritting fleet has already been out treating roads. We have salt supplies stored in our salt dome and our highly experienced teams will be on standby throughout the winter to keep roads and pavements as snow and ice-free as we possibly can.
"However, it is important that we plan for how we will address issues that may arise due to the on-going Covid-19 pandemic such as a reduction in available operatives to deliver the service, further restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus or issues in the supply chain."
Joint Council Leader Vaughan Moody added, "We have established suitable safety control measures within our operations to respond to the potential restrictions placed upon the service as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"We've also amended our operational procedures with measures such as additional cleaning of vehicles, staggered start times and alternative starting locations for our drivers.
"Whilst these will help mitigate the impact we must also be realistic about the possibility of a larger outbreak of the virus and the effect that may have on the resources available to deliver the service."
The policy - available on the Council's website - also details how East Dunbartonshire prioritises what roads it treats and when. There are two categories of gritting route – Primary and Secondary.
The Primary routes cover 67% of East Dunbartonshire’s 514km of road and consist of:
- Main roads
- Bus routes
- Access to fire, police and ambulance stations
- Access to hospitals
- Steep or dangerous roads
- At least one access road to each school
Councillor Polson added, "We clear these before moving on to our Secondary routes, which include all other roads within the authority such as local and general access roads, less used industrial roads and cul-de-sacs, which are only salted during prolonged periods of adverse weather and when resources allow
"While we will do all we can to help traffic to keep moving during winter weather events, it is also important for drivers to drive with caution and to consider whether their journey is absolutely necessary."
The Council also has specialised gritters for footways which are based in strategic locations throughout the East Dunbartonshire area. The main footway routes cover:
- Main shopping areas
- Footways adjacent to community centres and health centres
- Footways near to sheltered housing and schools
- Steep or particularly wet footways that create enhanced risk
If freezing conditions are forecast Primary Footway Routes will be gritted in advance as a precaution.
Councillor Moody continued, "I'd like to thank our communities who have done a fantastic job in recent years in helping keep their areas clear of snow. The Council will continue to make grit available for residents to use in their own streets, paths and driveways to help people be prepared as possible for winter. More than 400 grit bins are placed at strategic locations for people to help themselves.
"If a grit bin near you is empty please phone 0300 123 4510. Additional grit will also be available from Broomhill Depot, Kilsyth Road, Kirkintilloch."
Residents can check information about gritting plans via the Council's website.
Gritting updates will also be posted on the council’s Twitter and Facebook accounts.