New gritters put together for winter

Published
13 November 2025

Five new multi-purpose automobiles are set to embark on patrols throughout their first winter in operation.

The gritters, which could be tailored to make sure they’re helpful all year long, have already been working arduous enterprise pothole repairs in addition to getting used as tippers.

Now they’re prepared for wintry situations throughout West Dunbartonshire, with groups on standby 24 hours a day to undertake gritting required throughout the street community.

As nicely as readying the brand new automobiles, the Council’s shops of salt have been restocked in a function constructed salt dome prepared to be used in response to freezing temperatures over the winter interval.

When frost is forecast, the Council treats roughly 156km (43.5%) of the general public street community in West Dunbartonshire, together with A and B Class roads,  essential city site visitors routes, the principle routes to varsities the place these could be clearly recognized, main bus routes and routes to essential emergency service institutions. The Council additionally has greater than 480 grit bins which shall be restocked commonly over the season, obtainable for residents to make use of on their streets.

While Council groups are holding the realm shifting, residents also can do their half to be winter prepared.

This checklist of suggestions beneath might assist all through the colder climate.

Frozen pipes: Before making an attempt to thaw out your pipes, test for leaking joints or bursts. If there are none, and if it’s protected to take action, gently heat any frozen sections with a heated fabric wrapped across the pipe. Never apply a direct flame or try to thaw pipes by switching in your immersion heater or boiler;

Lost energy: If you lose energy, name 105 – it’s freed from cost and can put you thru to your native community operator who may give you assist and recommendation;

Car emergency package: Keep protected throughout touring by holding a automobile emergency package, with objects together with: a primary support package; battery bounce leads; a torch and spare batteries; a map for unplanned diversions; a blanket; a reflective warning signal; an ice scraper and de-icer; a shovel for snow; heat garments and boots; some meals, and a heat drink in a flask.

Know our routes and grit bin places: Information on the Council’s precedence major and gritting routes and grit bin places could be discovered on-line.

Councillor David McBride, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, stated: “It is nice to see these new multi-use automobiles preparing for motion this winter. The 5 gritters, which have a number of our bodies enabling them to hold out totally different duties have already been put to make use of all year long together with filling in potholes. 

“They had been bought earlier this yr to make higher use of our assets somewhat than hiring automobiles and, already, they’ve been exhibiting their value.

“This shows the decisive action the Council is taking and we hope that residents will also take on board the tips outlined to keep themselves and their neighbours safe and comfortable over winter.”

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration & Economic Development, added: “The teams are busy monitoring detailed weather forecasts to understand what action needs to be taken and when. We hope residents are ready too so if ice and snow hits, the impact is not as severe as it might be otherwise.”