Roads team ask for public patience

ROADS teams across the region have outlined the challenges facing them this winter.

The council says 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.

But officials insist they remain focused on prioritising safety for residents, businesses, schools and emergency services.

The local Winter Service Plan states that:

Primary precautionary routes (covering over 1500 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.

Meanwhile, the public are asked to avoid submitting duplicate reports of the same issue; and to also allow extra time for non-urgent repairs during the winter months.

Councillor Andy Ferguson 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.”