Cold temperatures, heavy rainfall and freeze–thaw cycles are increasing the number of defects across local roads, which in turn raises demand for maintenance from communities. Despite these pressures, the council’s dedicated Roads Team remains focused on prioritising safety for residents, businesses, schools and emergency services.
Under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, the council has a statutory duty to take reasonable steps to prevent snow and ice from endangering safe passage. The council’s Winter Service Plan ensures that:
- Primary precautionary routes (covering over 1,500 km) are treated in advance of icy conditions.
- Secondary routes and footways are treated reactively once primary routes have been completed.
Decisions about treatment are guided by real-time weather forecasts and road temperature sensors. These essential winter operations mean that teams are sometimes diverted from other duties, potentially leading to longer response times for non-urgent repairs and temporary increases in maintenance backlogs.
To support Roads Service teams and operatives during this period, the council asks the public to:
- Avoid submitting duplicate reports of the same issue.
- Continue to report genuine safety concerns.
- Allow extra time for non-urgent repairs during the winter months.
Councillor Andy Ferguson, Chair of the council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“Our Roads Team works tirelessly to keep Dumfries and Galloway moving, often in challenging conditions. This winter, their efforts are more vital than ever as we balance limited resources with the need to maintain safety across our network.”
Councillor Tony Berretti, Vice-Chair, added:
“We ask for the community’s patience and support during this period. By focusing on priority routes and essential gritting, we can ensure that residents, businesses and emergency services remain connected throughout the winter months.”
Beyond the winter season, the Roads Service uses a risk-based approach to allocate resources where they are most needed. Inspectors regularly assess major routes, and reported defects are evaluated based on public safety risk, traffic volume and location. Repairs are prioritised to make best use of available funding, with innovative methods employed to deliver cost-effective, long-lasting solutions.
For more information on how we manage roads and winter safety, visit: Dumfries and Galloway Council Roads Service.