The people working hard to keep commuters moving
KEEPING Scotland’s roads and railways clear is a multi-million challenge unlike anything seen in days gone by.
Councillor Steven Heddle, Cosla environment and economy spokesperson, says: “It is arguable local authorities are better prepared now than in past decades as technology and forecasting advances help target roads at the greatest risk of ice and snow.
“While councils may be better prepared, over the years society has also changed – as has the economy, and indeed the climate.
“It is hard to compare eras and it is misleading to assume there was less disruption in the past. However, we cannot ignore the fact that local government budgets are under huge pressure, with roads services under particular strain to both make savings and meet public expectations.”
When it comes to the nation’s trunk roads, Transport Scotland’s current winter fleet has 210 vehicles available for spreading salt and ploughing snow – one spreader for every 16km.
Meanwhile, on the A835, Bear Scotland is using the latest combination spreader from Germany with modified spraying equipment which uses liquid brine treatments to tackle snow and ice, and on the M80, a Hilltip Icestriker has been leased from Finland, and can be mounted to pick-ups or light trucks.
A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “We continue to invest in and trial new technology to improve decision-making and responses by those managing winter treatments. Severe winter weather will, unfortunately, cause some disruption on our roads.”
As for rail commuters – already bitter over a new timetable that’s brought cancellations and delays – Network Rail Scotland and train operators Abellio ScotRail have introduced a helicopter with thermal imaging equipment to show engineers areas where cold weather could cause problems.
It has also invested in a £1m “winter train” for parts of the railway affected by snow or ice. It features hot air blowers and heat-lances to thaw critical areas, so staff can reopen the line more quickly.
Snowploughs are said to be on standby, and train maintenance depots have been fitted with heated polytunnels, high-pressure hot water “jet washes”, and space heaters to reduce the time required to defrost trains, and get them back in service more quickly.