A prioritized system of pre-salting comes into force when needed. Routes are divided into categories:
- Priority One Routes [includes all principal roads and important B and C Class unclassified routes as approved by Members] - preferential treatment in all conditions. Should be treated by 0700 hrs with remainder by 0730 hrs.
- Priority Two routes [includes the remainder of B and C Class and unclassified roads as approved by Members although not all remaining C Class roads will be Priority Two. but will be treated as soon as practicable after Priority One routes have been completed.
- Priority Three Routes [the remainder of the network including estate roads]. These routes will not normally be treated unless freezing conditions persist for more than 72 hours
Snow Clearance Priority:
Carriageways
Light snow (up to 25 mm) - pre-salting
Moderate snowfall (25 mm to 100 mm) - Priority One routes passable in 3 hours; Priority Two routes when conditions allow resources to be freed from Priority One routes.
Heavy snowfall (over 100 mm) - Available resources, including reserves, contractors and farmers will be mobilized to keep Priority One routes passable and to maintain at least one route to all centres of population.
