BEAR Scotland is primed to tackle whatever adverse weather conditions affect the trunk road network in the north of Scotland after launching its official winter service this season.
94 winter vehicles, including several newly named spreaders, will be on hand to treat the trunk routes across the north of Scotland. ‘Gonnae Snow Dae That, ‘Sled Zeppelin’ and ‘William Wall-ice’, among others, are some of the largest spreaders operating in the UK.
Over 180 operatives and 57,500 tonnes of salt will be dedicated to helping keep 2,016km of trunk roads across the north east and north west of Scotland as clear as possible throughout the winter period.
The winter vehicle patrols will focus on carrying out precautionary treatments which aim to stop ice forming. This involves spreading pre-wetted salt on routes forecast to experience low temperatures.
Central to BEAR Scotland’s winter strategy is its 24/7 winter control room which analyses detailed weather forecasts and road temperatures to ensure treatments are carried out as necessary.
Iain Murray, BEAR Scotland’s Managing Director, said: “This winter, our dedicated and experienced team across the north remain as committed as ever to doing as much as possible to keep Scotland’s key routes open and safe for motorists.
“We will closely monitor conditions on a 24/7 basis meaning we can act quickly to changing winter weather conditions.
“We remind members of the public to play their part this winter and ensure their vehicles are well maintained, pay close attention to local and national media to help plan ahead, and check in with Traffic Scotland for the latest journey information before setting out.”
BEAR Scotland’s new fleet of quirky named winter vehicles will join existing fan favourites: ‘For Your Ice Only’, ‘Sir Andy Flurry’ and ‘Gritty Gritty Bang Bang’.
Transport Scotland’s online ‘trunk road gritter tracker’ provides live tracking of gritters on the trunk road network. It displays the current location of gritters and a trail with a time range for when gritters have previously passed along trunk routes across Scotland.
Last year BEAR Scotland carried out over 7,325 treatments on trunk roads in the north east and north west of Scotland.
The winter service period runs from 1 October to 15 May each year and can be extended beyond these dates should conditions dictate.
BEAR Scotland operate trunk roads across the north east and north west of the country, and have also taken over operation of the south east trunk road network in Scotland since August this year.
• Only travel when absolutely necessary
• Allow more time for your journey
• Listen to local and national radio for travel and weather information
• Slow down and leave increased distance between you and the vehicle in front.
• Be prepared when travelling. Keep the following in your vehicle:
o Ice scraper
o De-icer
o Torch
o Warm clothes including gloves and hats
o Blanket
o Shovel
o Food & drink
o High visibility jacket
o First aid kit
• Check:
o Your tyres are at the correct pressures and have good tread.
o Your vehicle lights are clean and working.
o Your wiper blades are effective.
o Your battery is in good condition and fully charged.
o Your vehicle anti-freeze is the right concentration (Your garage can do this for you).
o Your windows and mirrors are clear of ice or condensation.
• Drivers can get winter driving advice at: http://trafficscotland.org/media/badweatherleaflet.pdf
• Traffic Scotland provides real time information on trunk road conditions. You can visit their mobile site here: https://my.trafficscotland.org, or access information at www.trafficscotland.org or via twitter @TrafficScotland.
• The Transport Scotland trunk road gritter tracker details where spreaders have been in the past 24 hours. This can be viewed at Traffic Scotland here: http://trafficscotland.org/wintergritterinfo/
• Consider public transport options for your journey by visiting www.travelinescotland.com
BEAR is also on hand to deal with any issues on the trunk roads brought on by storms that bring high winds and heavy rain. Gully tankers, sandbags and water pumps are available to deal with any flooding issues and chainsaw operatives are also on standby to attend any fallen trees or branches.
BEAR Scotland manages and maintains the trunk roads in the SE, NE and NW of Scotland on behalf of Transport Scotland. www.transportscotland.gov.uk
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