Gritting crews are on standby as East Renfrewshire Council gears up for the winter season.

The council's winter maintenance service began on October 21, with gritters ready to respond 24/7 until mid-April.

The teams will ensure key priority routes are safe and passable in response to weather alerts.

With 3,600 tonnes of salt in stock and 10 gritters ready for action, the council is prepared to manage more than 295 miles of gritting routes across East Renfrewshire.

They will make sure priority routes are safe during weather alerts (Image: East Renfrewshire Council)Road updates and weather forecasts are received by winter controllers at least three times a day.

Roadside sensors also send information to help check road conditions.

Warnings of frost, freezing, or snow conditions will result in precautionary salting of priority routes.

Priority routes cover more than 56 per cent of the total road network, with 171 miles of roads salted in runs.

This includes 'A' roads, 'B' roads, one access route to fire stations, and bus access routes, including one access route to each school served by a dedicated bus service.

Tractors are also on hand to treat areas of higher ground.

Essential dry runs have been carried out by gritting crews to check routes, prepare vehicles, and train colleagues.

Councillor Owen O’Donnell, leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said: "It’s great to hear that the council’s gritting teams are well prepared and ready for the winter ahead.

"They may not always be seen but throughout periods of cold and winter weather they’ll always be out when they’re required - whether that’s during the night, early in the morning, over weekends or on public holidays."

He added: "Although priority routes cover more than half of all roads in East Renfrewshire, and teams grit additional routes during prolonged periods of severe weather where possible, resources don’t allow us to grit every road and pavement across the area, so it’s always appreciated when residents can grit their driveways and pavements or check on vulnerable or elderly neighbours."

The council maintains 329 standard grit bins and 17 community grit bins during the winter, with people encouraged to use the free salt available.

Further information about priority gritting routes, grit bin locations, and an interactive map can be found on the East Renfrewshire Council website.