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Scotland Boosts Winter Readiness with Advanced Weather Tech and Salt Stockpile
13 Nov
Summary
- Flooding has restricted Scotland's trunk network for an average of 62 days per year over the last 3 years
- Scotland will deploy around 240 gritters to salt and plow the trunk road network this winter
- Scotland has 497,000 tonnes of salt in stock, more than was used last winter
As Scotland braces for the upcoming winter season, the country has significantly bolstered its readiness to tackle severe weather disruptions. According to the latest data, over the past three years, flooding has restricted Scotland's trunk road network for an average of 62 days each year, a stark increase from the 20-day average recorded between 2015 and 2017.
To mitigate these escalating weather threats, Scotland's annual winter service will deploy around 240 gritters to undertake salt spreading and snow plowing patrols of the trunk road network. The preparations also include dedicated snow plans for key routes like the M8, M74, M77, M80, and the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.
Notably, Scotland has already stockpiled 497,000 tonnes of salt, more than was used for the entirety of last winter. Transport Scotland's national operations manager for resilience, Martin Thomson, emphasized the role of modern technology in their severe weather management plans, including advanced weather forecasting systems, new sensors, and automatic barriers.
"Effective communications with the public and stakeholders is also critical," Thomson added, underscoring the comprehensive approach Scotland is taking to ensure the safety and mobility of its citizens during the challenging winter months ahead.
