Our Roads team is winter ready - here is what you can do

Winter is just around the corner, but Orkney Islands Council’s roads team has already been at work preparing for the challenges cold and icy weather can bring for the county’s road network.

Over the past few weeks, gritters have been tended to by mechanics, tippers and tyres inspected, spreaders calibrated and crews primed to ensure our team is ready to respond to the inevitable bad weather when it hits.

But being prepared for winter is something we all need to do.

John Wrigley is Roads and Environmental Services Manager for the Council: “It takes only a few simple steps to prepare for winter driving, but doing so can make a huge difference. It really is not pleasant to be stuck out in a car in freezing conditions due to breakdown or mishap, and finding yourself being the cause of a traffic jam.

“We’ll do everything in our control to as far as possible keep Orkney moving in challenging conditions – but here is what you can do to help ensure you are ready too for winter roads:

• Orkney Islands Council treats public roads and footpaths in wintry weather according to a carefully compiled Winter Service Plan. Treatment is prioritised in order to keep as many vital routes as clear as possible during severe weather spells. Make sure you’re familiar with treatment plans for your routes to work, school, leisure and friends and family. Check the plan at www.orkney.gov.uk/winterroads
• Check your anti-freeze, make sure your lights are clean and working and make sure your wiper blades are in tip top condition. You may also wish to consider fitting winter tyres to your vehicle.
• Remind yourself and any new drivers in your household to drive cautiously when in the proximity of gritters – don’t drive too close, avoid sudden manoeuvres, and don’t overtake as the road ahead may not be gritted. Also be aware that approaching gritters will be spreading on both sides of the road - so when they pass, don’t be alarmed by the sound of salt sprinkling your vehicle.
• Get prepared now for severe weather by packing a few essential items in your car. Your emergency kit for your car could include an ice scraper and de-icer, a high viz vest, a shovel for snow, a torch and spare batteries, phone charger, warm clothes, boots and a blanket, some long-life food and water, a first aid kit and battery jump leads.
• Get to know the online sources of information you can follow to stay updated. These include the Met Office for weather forecasts, Transport Scotland and the Council’s twitter feed for Churchill Barrier conditions.
• Follow the local policing team on Twitter www.twitter.com/orkneypolice and the Council’s 'OIC Updates' facebook page as well as local media for latest local advice.

In severe weather conditions, remember your journey could take longer than expected. Before travelling in bad weather, you should check the weather forecast and road conditions, and:

• Bear in mind in severe and persistently icy conditions the Council will be fully occupied keeping major roads open – treatment of minor roads and footpath salting may well be delayed.
• Consider whether you need to travel right now or if you can wait until the weather improves.
• Consider alternative routes and modes of transport.
• Allow extra time for your journey.
• Clear all ice and snow from your car – including bonnets and roof. Slabs of snow left on your car can become lethal flying objects once your vehicle starts moving.
• Make sure your car is ready for a journey in poor weather – with tyres in good condition, and ice scrapers and de-icer handy.
• Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and that you have warm clothes, snacks and water – perhaps even a nice hot drink in a flask.
• Tell someone your destination and when you expect to arrive.
• In snow and ice, drive in high a gear as possible without labouring your engine, brake gently well ahead of time at bends, junctions and inclines, and steer gently.
• On public transport dress for the season/forecast, have a means of contacting your family and for a long journey, carry a small snack and some water if possible.

What you can do to help our gritting operations:

• Park responsibly in bad weather so gritters can carry out their important work.
• Report empty grit bins – online at www.orkney.gov.uk.

For more about preparing for winter and other challenging situations in the home and in the community and staying informed visit www.orkney.gov.uk/winter and the Ready Scotland website.