Council delivers additional training to support gritter driver shortage

Argyll and Bute Council has revealed its challenges with driver recruitment and retention for its winter maintenance service.

In a statement following the local authority’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee meeting on October 9, the council confirmed that it is facing a shortfall of 13 drivers based on its minimum requirement that 72 operate rotationally.

The council has said that issues such as workforce pressures, an ageing workforce, and recruitment problems impact service resilience, but emphasised that it is taking action to address the obstacles. For example, by providing additional training and contractor support before the winter season commences.

The council’s Winter Service Policy for 2026/27 delivers preventative treatment for up to 54.57% of the 2300km network, which represents ‘one of the most extensive road pre-treatment programmes in rural Scotland’, as well as being roughly 10% higher than the national council average.

With a winter fleet of 31 frontline treatment vehicles, the council provides services for 32 treatment routes in a ‘vast and geographically challenging area’, comprised of both remote mainland communities and islands.

Comments

A council spokesperson said: ‘Recruiting and retaining suitably qualified drivers to deliver the winter service remains challenging. To prepare for all eventualities, ahead of the winter season, the council is providing additional training and securing contractor support.

‘During prolonged cold spells, some services can be briefly re-prioritised so that drivers can be drawn from a range of operational teams across roads, waste, fleet and grounds. Throughout the winter period we work with MetDesk to gather detailed weather forecasts so we can prepare daily road treatment plans.’

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Photo: © Albert Stoynov.