A host of new measures will be introduced this winter in a bid to ensure Perth and Kinross can handle whatever the weather throws at it.
Two years ago much of the region found itself encased in snow and ice for months as some communities were almost entirely cut off from their neighbours.
Although the predicted repeat did not materialise last year and the overall trend is towards milder and wetter winters, the council says it is determined not to be complacent.
The lessons of winters in 2009/10 and 2010/11 led to significant improvements to winter maintenance services, ensuring that Perth and Kinross was among the best-prepared areas for bad winter at the turn of the year, the council says.
At a meeting of the enterprise and infrastructure committee this week, elected members will hear, however, that further improvements are to be made.
Nonetheless, residents have also been urged to be “realistic” about the level of service that can be provided in the most testing of winter climates.
One of the most significant changes is the stationing of a winter maintenance nightshift at the council’s Ruthvenfield depot in Perth. Staff will work throughout the night to keep roads clear of ice and snow, which will cut down on the number of early-morning road treatments needed in Perth.
Another addition will be the introduction of two quad bike drivers who will be used to treat paths in Auchterarder, Braco, Greenloaning, Luncarty, Almondbank and Methven.
Two additional ice early warning station systems are also being installed at Craggantoul and Kinloch Rannoch, along with an additional camera on the A93 at Glenshee.
Salt levels were increased last winter to almost 24,000 tonnes and this will be maintained for the winter of 2012/13.
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The winter maintenance service level aims to ensure that the 900km of Perth and Kinross roads designated as “high priority” are treated, in an effort to keep them free of snow and ice.
Priority treatment is also provided to paths in busy areas. A lower level of service is provided on the remainder of the carriageway and footway network, although the council says it will try to treat them when it can.
Winter maintenance staff will be put on standby between October 8 this year and April 15 next year.
Councillor John Kellas, convener of the enterprise and infrastructure committee, said: “Thankfully last winter was mild compared to the previous two but we cannot be complacent. The winter maintenance policy has been reviewed and some changes have been made which will improve the service.
“In severe weather events it’s important to be realistic about what the council alone can achieve. We have 2,500km 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.
“With this in mind, it is vitally important that we work closely with local communities so that we can help them to help themselves during severe snow and ice.
“There is evidence local communities are more willing to take on responsibility for things like helping to clear non-priority footpaths that the council may struggle to treat, which is very positive. We look forward to discussing ways in which we can work together to make winter easier for everyone.
“We are committed to making the very best use of the resources we have.”
A report to the committee notes that the level of winter maintenance service in recent years has been “satisfactory”, although severe snow and ice events have fully stretched available resources.
It also praises local communities for their “growing willingness” to get involved and help clear snow and ice from local roads and footways.
Council officers have consulted with local bodies, including community councils, to build a local network of people who want to come out and help their local communities during periods of severe winter weather.
There is also a farmers’ assistance scheme in place, where farmers clear snow on public and private roads using ploughs provided by the council.