Drivers in North Ayrshire are being urged to stay safe on the roads as winter arrives.

The council’s roads team have announced they will be on weather watch for any snow and ice forecast from now until April next year.

A squad of 35 drivers and 15 multi-purpose vehicles will be available 24/7 to keep the area’s priority routes in use throughout winter.

The local authority is responsible for the majority of the roads in the area and trunk roads such as the A78, A737 and A738 are gritted by Amey.

Some 7,000 tonnes of road salt is stocked at the council’s mainland storage depot in Kilwinning, with a further 2,500-tonne stockpile being kept at the depot at Brodick in Arran, ready for use to help keep roads clear.

Salt is also stored at strategic points throughout the area for use by residents.

There are approximately 500 grit bins and 15 larger community bins from which residents can collect salt for personal use on roads, driveways or footpaths.

Councillor Tony Gurney, cabinet member for green environment and economy, said: “Our roads team have already carried out a practice run in our gritters to ensure they are ready to respond immediately if and when the winter weather arrives.

“Our team is well prepared for the winter conditions, with plans in place to ensure our priority routes are clear and keep North Ayrshire moving.”

For more details on staying safe on the roads this winter, visit North Ayrshire Council's website at north-ayrshire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/winter-gritting.aspx.