Council Takes Delivery Of New Snow Ploughs To Treat Winter Roads Across The Highlands

26th November 2024

The Highland Council has invested in 6 new winter gritting vehicles to replace some of the ageing fleet. Three vehicles have been delivered, with another 3 to be delivered shortly.

The vehicles, funded from the Council's Fleet Capital budget, will replace ageing winter maintenance gritters.

Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans said: "The new vehicles represent an investment of approximately £1M for our winter fleet. Modernising our fleet by buying the new vehicles is an investment that will help us provide our communities with an efficient and reliable service over the coming winter months. These new top-of-the range vehicles have all the equipment to make them as efficient as possible when carrying out the work."

He added: "The first significant winter weather of the season last week affected communities across the Highlands. The new fleet of snow ploughs will have an important role in making sure we are able to provide our communities with the best service we can within the resources available."

The vehicles are being allocated as follows:

1 for the Inverness area

2 for the Isle of Skye

1 to Fort William (Awaiting delivery)

2 to Badenoch & Strathspey (Awaiting delivery)

Details of the council's highland wide and local area gritting policies and maps are available on the Council's website

As in previous years, Highland Council is offering assistance to communities who wish to take action in their own area to help clear snow and ice from footpaths but providing salt in either bins or heaps, snow shovels and pushers, gloves and hi-viz vests, Health and Safety advice to volunteers and public liability insurance. Full guidance and an application form can be found on the Council's website

We offer assistance to communities who wish to take action in their own area to help clear snow and ice from footpaths.

The assistance takes the form of:

provision of salt (in either grit bins or heaps)
shovels and snow pushers
gloves
hi-visibility vests
Health and Safety advice to volunteers who have pre-registered through their Community Council and are working on their behalf
Provision of equipment and training is co-ordinated by the local Roads Area Offices.

How to apply
Community groups, volunteer groups and individuals who require further information or are wanting to access the Winter Resilience Programme can contact their Area Roads Office by email.

Alternatively, an application form and guidance notes can be downloaded from the link. Once completed and approved by the local Community Council, should be returned to the relevant Area Roads Office who will contact the applicant to finalise arrangements.

Contacts and application form HERE