Gritting roads and paths - Winter Ready

We have over 1,000km of roads and around 1,300km of footways to treat so it's important to note that it has never been possible for us to treat all roads and footways simultaneously.

We use a priority system to ensure that the treatment is targeted to areas of greatest need first.

Where possible, we aim to treat, major roads and important bus routes (Primary routes) prior to the formation of ice. We operate this service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week when necessary. Primary routes tend to be the main roads within West Lothian.

Once the Primary carriageways have been treated and if resources and weather allow, we start to treatment to the Secondary Level 1 carriageways,

such as those in housing estates and rural areas.

For a list of primary and secondary gritting routes please visit: www.westlothian.gov.uk/winter

Safe driving tips for winter roads - from the AA

• Pull away in second gear, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel-spin.

• If you have to use your brakes, apply them gently.

• Driving uphill - leave plenty of room between other cars or wait until it's clear so you don't have to stop part way up. Keep a constant speed and try to avoid having to change gear on the hill.

• Driving downhill - slow down before the hill, use a low gear and try to avoid braking. Leave as much room as you can after the car in front.

• If you get stuck in snow or ice, straighten the steering and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip.