Roads officials showcase readiness for winter

13 November 2013

Local Councillors met with Scotland TranServ and DGFirst this week (13 November) in a visit which showcased the partnership’s readiness for delivery of its winter services across local communities within Dumfries and Galloway.

This unique working partnership between DGFirst and Scotland TranServ means that services including winter maintenance will continue to be provided locally, from four operational depots located across Dumfries and Galloway.

Scotland TranServ, a joint venture between Balfour Beatty and Mouchel, has been preparing for winter since commencement of the contract on 1 April this year and has invested almost £3m in improving its fleet.

Senior representatives from both parent companies visited the Wayside depot to meet with area network managers and frontline operatives and ensure council members are aware that the contract is prepared for even the harshest conditions.

Councillor Stephen Thompson, chairman of DGFirst Management Committee, said:

“Working in partnership with TranServ encourages local commitment and pride in the service delivered to the benefit of road users in Dumfries and Galloway.”

“I am positive that this partnership will benefit not only the local area but also ensuring our roads are kept open throughout winter.”

With a footprint that spans across 22 routes and over 600km of motorways and trunk roads; Scotland TranServ operates on behalf of Transport Scotland and has invested the £3m in winter plant alone to bolster its services and operate the very latest in gritting technology across south west Scotland.

The local fleet now includes a brand new supergritter which can spread double the amount of salt in one pass; therefore reducing the need for re application and in turn our carbon footprint.

Ronnie Dempster, Head of Roads Maintenance, Neighbourhoods and Contracted Services commented:

“We are delighted that Scotland TranServ’s parent companies visited our depot today to find out first-hand about our winter operations.

“We are pleased and excited to be working with Scotland TranServ in this partnership which encourages local commitment and pride in our services. This will result in long term improvements to the quality of the services for years to come.”

The partnership, in which DGFirst is contracted to carry out roads and winter maintenance services on behalf of Scotland TranServ will span the next five years with potential to extend for a further three years.

Hector Macaulay, managing director for Scotland, Balfour Beatty said:

“Through the Scotland TranServ joint venture we are delighted to be working in partnership with DGFirst to deliver a seamless and efficient service to road users across Dumfries and Galloway.

“Together we want to ensure the best possible provision of roads maintenance services and we will ensure the most efficient resilience across the south west network through our local and national service delivery.”