South Lanarkshire Council is urging residents to plan ahead this winter.
It comes at the start of its annual Winter Awareness Week, with the council reminding everyone of what it is doing and what they should do to prepare.
The campaign highlights some of the issues residents need to be aware of – be it snow, storms, ice and downpours or sometimes even a combination of all four.
Councillor John Anderson, the chair of the council’s community and enterprise resources committee, said: “We will be providing a range of information and advice during this week which we hope will be useful over the coming months.
" For example, journey planning can make all the difference – what are the safest routes and modes of transport.
“You should also ask yourself – is the trip essential?
“If you must drive, check the weather forecast and any current or predicted difficulties – the weather can change very quickly so check the forecast.”
You can use the following methods to check the forecast:
- local radio or TV stations,
- the Met Office or the Met Office weather app
- local 24hr forecast links posted on the @SLCRoads Twitter feed. Info is also available from the following Twitter feeds - @SLCouncil, @Trafficscotland and @bbctravelscot
- drivers should allow extra time for their journeys and also ensure they have a snack, something to drink and any medication to allow for delays
In particular, listen for any severe weather warnings being issued by the Met Office.
Other tips include having a basic cold weather and emergency kit with items such as an ice scraper and de-icer, a torch that works and some spare batteries, a shovel, a small bag of salt and a first aid kit.
And with footpaths in residential areas generally not being gritted by the council, they are asking residents to help by clearing the footpath outside their home and helping less able neighbours.
Councillor Anderson added: “With some continuing to work from home due to Covid-19 and others at their workplace – our winter travel advice will be useful for getting out and about during and out with the working day."
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