Executive Summary

A functional and well maintained road network is necessary to allow the economy of Scotland to thrive and grow. Closures and disruptions on the road network due to snow and ice have an adverse impact on the free movement of goods and services. Access to health and education services can be more problematic and there is potential for an increase in the number of injuries due to slipping, and road traffic incidents.

The severity and length of the winter of 2009/10 provided a significant challenge for Scottish Local Authorities and Trunk Road Operators. Information from the Met Office indicates that Scotland had the second coldest winter since 1914, with only the winter of 1962/63 being colder. This resulted in extensive disruption to transport services in Scotland and indeed throughout the UK. Media coverage of the conditions and the salt shortage was extensive. In early January special arrangements were required to manage reduced salt stocks in order to mitigate against the potential for running out of salt as the severity and length of the weather was forecast to continue. The Scottish Salt Group was set up to co-ordinate this function.

This last winter was costly; increasing the cost of winter maintenance and causing more damage to the road network than normal with a resulting increase in public compensation claims and payouts.

Given the variability of Scotland’s weather it is not possible to guarantee that roads will remain free of ice and snow at all times. Despite the considerable efforts made by roads authorities, pedestrians and drivers must play their part.

This review looks at the lessons learned from the events of winter 2009/10. In addition to the 11 short term recommendations, further medium and long term suggestions are given to improve resilience and preparedness for the future.

Finally, recognition must be given to the many people who strived and toiled to keep routes as clear as possible in often horrendous conditions as part of providing a winter service which kept Scotland moving.