With some experts predicting another harsh winter ahead, Perth and Kinross Council is finalising how it plans to try to keep disruption to a minimum.
Installing additional ice early warning station systems, revising road priorities and supporting community self-help options are among the actions proposed.
A report to go before the enterprise and infrastructure committee on Wednesday sets out the level of investment by the council in responding to the winter of 2010/11, the most severe for 50 years.
Gritting, snow clearing and salt usage increased on some roads and paths by over 300% in comparison to the last “normal” winter of 2007/2008, with an overall response cost to the council of £5.96 million.
The report outlines the impact that severe winter weather has on resources, from priority routes requiring to be regularly re-treated therefore delaying clearing of lower priority routes, to treatment being restricted to footways on one side of a street in order to be able to reach as many communities as possible.
A number of actions are recommended to make best use of resources in responding to this winter, including increasing the pre-season salt order by 20% to 24,000 tonnes and, as salt loses effectiveness below around -5C, adding sand where appropriate for traction.
In severe snowfall, priority routes will be re-categorised and based on feedback from community councils, some grit bins will be moved.
The Farmers Assistance Scheme, where farmers clear snow on public and their own private roads using ploughs provided by the council, will be extended to involve farmers earlier and more widely.
Two additional ice early warning stations (Kinloch Rannoch and near Killin) and a camera in Glenshee at a cost of £53,000 will be installed to allow for quicker response times.Self-helpThe report also underlines the potential for communities themselves to play a key part in making winter easier. This might involve self-help schemes with community groups.
Depute director (environment) Jim Valentine says they are keen to see the public play an important role during adverse weather.
“In the UK there are often media stories of people being reluctant to clear their footways in case they become liable for any injuries,” he says. “This is a myth that has no basis in fact. Individuals taking reasonable care to look after the safety and convenience of others bear no such liability.”
Councillor John Kellas, convener of the enterprise and infrastructure committee, said the public had to be realistic about what the council can achieve.
“Last winter was difficult, to say the least, for everyone,” he said. “Council staff worked extremely hard to do all possible in responding to what were extreme and challenging conditions.”
He said: “We have 2500km of road network across Perth and Kinross, and thousands of footways. Resources are simply not available to us to keep all roads and pavements clear of snow and ice.
“We are committed to making the very best use of the resources we do have, and I welcome this report coming before committee.
“I would like to take this opportunity also to recognise the important difference that the efforts of communities themselves can make to individuals and their communities, and look forward to discussing ways in which we can work together.”