Cars skid off roads in weekend snowfall 20/2/12
A burst of wintry weather caught out motorists over the weekend with many cars skidding off icy roads.
The were snow showers from Saturday evening into Sunday morning and roads were left ungritted. Some main routes were treated on around breakfast time on Sunday.
The Comhairle’s new gritting policy means gritters are being sent out less often
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The snowfalls were not heavy but did leave some routes dangerous to drive on.
Councillors will debate changing the policy in three weeks. However, as the worst ofthe winter may be over, councillors may be persuaded to defer from making any substantial changes at this time.
In any case, there could be legal issues in changing the policy since long term contracts have just been signed.
The Comhairle says it is not legally required to keep roads clear of snow and open at all times.
The cold snap will not last and high winds and rain is forecasted for Monday.
The Lord of the Isles was not affected, as Cal Mac feared, by the blustery south westerly winds on her crossing to Castlebay on Sunday night. However, the Stornoway freight ferry MV Muirneag has cancelled her run to Ullapool on early Monday morning.
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