Our Executive Committee has endorsed a Winter Service Plan which aims to ensure the safety of communities through any adverse weather this winter
This year’s plan is similar to that for last winter, following the successful delivery of winter services across a period of almost unprecedented prolonged frost from late December into mid-February.
Key 2020-21 winter information
- increased response to minimise impact of slips, trips and falls and associated impact on health services during COVID-19
- twice daily treatments over 52 consecutive days across almost the entire primary network
- a total of 192 planned preventative call outs to treat roads and footpaths
- above average salt use
- up to 12 refills of salt bins provided, compared to a maximum of two refills in previous years
- significant community self-help efforts through Resilient Community groups and others
Preparing for this winter
In preparing to deal with this winter, we currently have:
- over 18k tonnes of salt stocked
- over 1.2k grit bins
- 41 gritters
- 19 footpath gritters
- Additional contractors available to support winter maintenance operations as required
Councillor Gordon Edgar, Executive Member for Infrastructure, Travel and Transport
“Every year we assess the impact of winter weather, our response to it and feedback from communities, and that helps to ensure that our annual Winter Service Plan is robust and that we are best placed to support our residents during the most challenging winter weather.
“It is important to remember that we have more than 3,000km of roads and 1,250km of footpaths and we simply cannot be everywhere at once. In that respect, the role that our Resilient Community groups and individuals can play through self-help is significant and is hugely appreciated by the Council.
“The Council is prepared for winter, and I would urge members of the public to also prepare as much as possible. We will do all we can to keep residents updated when adverse weather is forecast, communicate how we as a Council are responding, and support communities and individuals to play their part and help keep everyone safe.”
Sign up to SB Alert
Borderers are encouraged to sign up to the free emergency messaging system SB Alert to receive early warning of adverse weather. Alerts can be provided by phone, text or email and the type of alert received can be chosen when signing up.
More information
A wide range of information and FAQs on our winter response can be found on our website.