New multi-purpose vehicles prepare for first winter operations

Published 13 November 2025

Five new multi-purpose vehicles are set to embark on patrols during their first winter in operation.

The gritters, which can be adapted to ensure they are useful throughout the year, have already been working hard undertaking pothole repairs as well as being used as tippers.

Now they are ready for wintry conditions across West Dunbartonshire, with teams on standby 24 hours a day to undertake gritting required across the road network.

As well as readying the new vehicles, the Council’s stores of salt have been restocked in a purpose built salt dome ready for use in response to freezing temperatures over the winter period.

When frost is forecast, the Council treats approximately 156km (43.5%) of the public road network in West Dunbartonshire, including A and B Class roads,  main urban traffic routes, the main routes to schools where these can be clearly identified, major bus routes and routes to main emergency service establishments. The Council also has more than 480 grit bins which will be restocked regularly over the season, available for residents to use on their streets.

While Council teams are keeping the area moving, residents can also do their part to be winter ready.

This list of tips below could help throughout the colder weather.

Frozen pipes: Before attempting to thaw out your pipes, check for leaking joints or bursts. If there are none, and if it’s safe to do so, gently warm any frozen sections with a heated cloth wrapped around the pipe. Never apply a direct flame or attempt to thaw pipes by switching on your immersion heater or boiler;

Lost power: If you lose power, call 105 – it’s free of charge and will put you through to your local network operator who can give you help and advice;

Car emergency kit: Keep safe during traveling by keeping a car emergency kit, with items including: a first aid kit; battery jump leads; a torch and spare batteries; a map for unplanned diversions; a blanket; a reflective warning sign; an ice scraper and de-icer; a shovel for snow; warm clothes and boots; some food, and a warm drink in a flask.

Know our routes and grit bin locations: Information on the Council’s priority primary and gritting routes and grit bin locations can be found online.

Councillor David McBride, Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “It is great to see these new multi-use vehicles getting ready for action this winter. The five gritters, which have multiple bodies enabling them to carry out different tasks have already been put to use throughout the year including filling in potholes. 

“They were purchased earlier this year to make better use of our resources rather than hiring vehicles and, already, they have been showing their worth.

“This shows the decisive action the Council is taking and we hope that residents will also take on board the tips outlined to keep themselves and their neighbours safe and comfortable over winter.”

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill Vice Convener of Infrastructure, Regeneration & Economic Development, added: “The teams are busy monitoring detailed weather forecasts to understand what action needs to be taken and when. We hope residents are ready too so if ice and snow hits, the impact is not as severe as it might be otherwise.”