HUNTLY COUNCILLOR WELCOMES WINTER MAINTENANCE TEST SUCCESS

Local SNP councillor Joanna Strathdee has welcomed the results of an early trial of an innovative way to tackle extreme temperatures on Scotland's roads

The trial saw a liquid solution being successfully tested on hard-packed snow and ice on a Huntly road.

The liquid de-icer type product will provide a new way of clearing roads at temperatures of up to minus 20 degrees and strategic stocks will be placed around the country for targeted use during lower temperatures, when normal salt is not as effective.

Commenting, Councillor Joanna Strathdee said:

“As the old adage goes ‘necessity is the mother of invention’ and that sentiment applies to the methods we use to tackle winter weather problems.

“These tests in Aberdeenshire have produced some favourable results and the liquid de-icing product will hopefully help other local authorities in future extreme weather conditions.

“In the last 2 years we have seen some unprecedented winter weather for motorists and pedestrians alike, not just in terms of temperatures and the quantity of snow but also with the widespread and prolonged nature of the severe weather.

“I am pleased that efforts to find alternative treatments and road clearing methods have brought results and while it is not a miracle cure for snow and ice it should certainly help to improve the response to it.”