MOST of us may be hoping for late summer sun but the city council is gearing up for winter.

Roads bosses have redrawn their winter maintenance plan and have included better information on tackling the effects of severe weather, gritting operations, locations of grit bins and self-help advice.

Last year, gritting began on November 3 and continued until March 23, using more than 8000 tonnes of de-icer.

This year, the council website will display real-time data from gritting vehicles to show which roads have been treated.

City council land and environment spokesman Alistair Watson said: "Our aim is to enable the safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians throughout the city and minimise delays caused by any severe winter weather."

Mr Watson said more information will be made available on the council website, making it easier for people to plan their journeys.

He added: "By checking the updates, drivers can make better informed travel choices which should help cut down on any congestion on the roads."

The council has 26 gritters/ploughs in its fleet but has almost 220 other vehicles designed to be adapted for winter tasks.

A total of 53% of the city's roads - 568 miles - are classed as priority routes and Mr Watson said it is important people understand the need to focus de-icing work on the city's main roads and bus routes.

He added: "Our winter maintenance plan is available on our website, along with maps showing where the routes are.

"Priority activities include gritting the road network by night staff, gritting and salting major pedestrian precincts, routes from fire and police stations, hospitals and bus depots, city centre footpaths, shopping centres outside the city centre, routes to schools, steep hills, park and ride stations and Buchanan Bus Station.

"We have winter controllers on duty around the clock so action can be taken at the first sign of deteriorating conditions, however, we want to encourage the public to do their bit to keep themselves and their neighbours mobilised.

"We have 1242 grit bins across the city with advice on where to get salt and locations of grit bins available on the website.

"Last year, we used the council's Twitter page to keep people up to date with information. Follow us at @GlasgowCC.

"Our web pages at www.glasgow.gov.uk/winter also have a wealth of information and advice about getting about in snowy conditions."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk