Scottish Conservative Mid Scotland and Fife MSP, Liz Smith, has written to Perth and Kinross Council to ask them to urgently review winter gritting guidelines for roads leading to rural schools will be given priority when it comes to the winter gritting programme for rural roads.
Liz Smith, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife said:
“It is very important that schools and parents can have confidence that the routes leading to rural schools will receive prompt attention when there is snow or ice.
“There have been two accidents very close to rural schools in Strathearn in the last two weeks and, in each case, the roads had not been treated for the first 48 hours after the hazardous conditions occurred. I understand some parents have already been in touch with the council about this and so I hope council officers can confirm that this problem will be addressed.
“I think everyone fully understands that “A” roads must take first priority as must the major roads in cities and roads but, thereafter, it is essential that school routes received the appropriate treatment so that we can maximise the safety of the school population.
“I understand from meetings with the NFU that local farmers now have the facility and permission to assist with some clearing of rural roads – something that should prove very helpful assuming it is very clear as to where the different responsibilities lie.
“With the prediction of another difficult winter ahead, I hope every effort will be made to maintain salt-bins and to ensure that there is effective communication when it comes to gritting our roads. The rural schools and parents need action now at the start of the winter – they do not want to wait until the spring.”