Driving in winter weather can be challenging and dangerous if you're not prepared. It's important to make sure your vehicle is equipped with proper tires, such as snow tires or chains, and that you have enough antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid.
When driving in snowy or icy conditions, it's important to slow down and increase your distance to allow for more stopping time. Additionally, be sure to clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving, including your windows, mirrors, and lights.
Be prepared: Keep an emergency kit in your car and at home in case of power outages or other emergencies.
Stay alert and focused on the road: avoid sudden movements or sharp turns. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure a safe driving experience.
For further information visit: Winter Driving
Handy resources for winter driving:
Gritter tracking
Met Office
Police Scotland
Ready Scotland
Road Safety Scotland
SEPA
Traffic Scotland
Severe Weather
In Ayrshire the weather can change quickly, fog snow, high winds and heavy rain can all arrive on the same day.
When the weather takes a turn it's important to plan ahead and adjust the way you travel to keep yourself and others safe.
Our teams monitor conditions across East and South Ayrshire and respond to:
- Snow and icy surfaces
- Heavy rain and flooding
- Debris or fallen trees and branches
Gritters, drainage crews and out emergency response teams work around the clock as needed
Before you travel
- Check the weather forecast and any travel warnings.
- Check your vehicle especially your tyres, lights and fluid levels.
- Look at live information such as Gritter Tracking.
- Allow extra time for your journey or consider delaying your journey if conditions are very poor.
- Make sure your vehicle has enough fuel or charge for possible delays.
Stay updated:
Gritter tracking
Met Office
Police Scotland
Ready Scotland
Road Safety Scotland
SEPA
Traffic Scotland
Ayrshire Roads Alliance (Emergency 24 hours)
We will assist as much as is practicable during severe weather events.
- This can include the provision of sandbags to properties in imminent danger of being flooded.
- Supply of sandbags will be prioritised as sandbag stocks are limited.
Contact us:
During office hours: 01563 503 160
East Ayrshire out of hours: 0345 724 0000
South Ayrshire out of hours: 0300 123 0900
For further information visit: Winter Driving
Stay safe on the roads
When its foggy:
- Use fog lights
- Use dipped headlights
- keep a safe distance
- slow down gradually
When winds are strong:
- Keep both hands firmly on the wheel
- Look out for gusts on open roads
- Look out for debris on the road
- Be cautious passing large vehicles
In heavy rain:
- Keep an eye out for surface water
- Reduce your driving speed
- Never drive through deep flood water
When there's snow or ice:
- Allow extra travel time
- Clear snow and ice from all windows and mirrors, as well as the roof of your car
- Drive slowly and brake gently
Be prepared
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, this could include:
- Warm blanket and clothes
- Ice scraper and de-icer
- Torch and spare batteries
- First aid kit
- High-energy snacks and water
- Mobile phone charger
- Fully charged power bank.
- Shovel for clearing snow
- Jump leads
Planning ahead, staying alert and driving to the conditions can help keep everyone safe.