Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 8 January 2026
To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it provides to local roads authorities on maintaining public safety on local roads and pavements in winter, including decisions on street lighting, footway treatment and local grit provision.
Under the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, Local Authorities have a duty to manage and maintain local roads in their area to ensure the safe, convenient, and efficient movement of traffic. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing local roads, which is why decisions must be made based on specific local needs. It is not the role of Scottish Ministers to intervene in the day-to-day performance of these local road, local footway, and local grit provision duties.
We are, as you would expect, working closely with Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council during the current severe weather. Mutual aid from Transport Scotland’s road operators Amey and BEAR has already been provided to Aberdeenshire Council including a total of 12 snow blowing and clearing assets currently operating out of Ellon and used for winter response operations.
I want to thank everyone who has worked so hard, day and night, to keep Scotland open and moving in this period of recovery. Public services have been collaborating well in sharing information and vehicles, while I have heard of truly exceptional efforts by farmers, volunteers and members of the public offering to clear local roads, dig out cars and keep people safe.
Community resilience has been strong but for many this has been a long period in sever snow conditions, with levels of snow not seen for many years.