A number of winter service additions have been announced to help serve roads across Scotland in the coming months.

Transport Scotland has revealed a record number of gritters will take the roads this winter, with 230 operating from over 40 depots around the trunk road network, as well as incident response vehicles, and an enhanced patrol provision around parts of the network.

Other improvements include the installation of sensors on the Queensferry Crossing, as part of a number of measures to improve the detection and management of ice accretion. This season will also see the continued trial of the world's first all-electric spreader to undertake patrols on the Queensferry Crossing and Forth Road Bridge.

The expanded fleet comes as a result of the new management contracts and will help enhance response to snow events, with a particular focus on vulnerable locations.

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Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: "Our teams always look to learn lessons from previous winters and have once again worked hard throughout the year to ensure we are well prepared for when the worst of the weather arrives.

"This ranges from the use of new technology, like ice accretion sensors and motorway access units, to trialling new treatments and adding more gritters to our fleet.

"Transport Scotland will continue to work closely with key partners like Police Scotland and the Met Office throughout the winter to ensure we respond quickly and effectively to weather events on the trunk road network."

Ian Cameron from the Met Office, added: "The Coronavirus pandemic brings additional challenges this winter and we will need to be even better prepared if we are to reduce the impact of severe weather and tackle the challenges it presents. Our meteorologists and advisors will continue to work closely with Transport Scotland over the coming months to deliver key weather information and advice to keep Scotland moving through the winter season.

"Adverse winter weather such as strong winds, heavy rain or snow can cause disruption to travel and transport services. We encourage people to check the latest Met Office weather forecast and warnings before they set off on journeys over the coming months, including our bespoke Scotland forecast, so they are better prepared for the weather this winter may bring."

(CM)