AS wintry weather starts to take grip, council bosses have set in motion plans to tackle the icy roads.

And this year for the first time Glasgow road users will be able to go online to find out which streets have been gritted, and at what time of day.

Real-time information will be relayed directly from gritters, allowing drivers to plan their journeys.

Glasgow is one of the first councils in the UK to use the hi-tech equipment in a bid to keep traffic moving.

Almost 250 vehicles of all shapes and sizes will be available to keep main roads and pavements free of snow and ice.

During last year's prolonged winter, gritting began at the end of October and ran all the way through until April 14, resulting in almost 20,000 tonnes of salt being spread.

Roads boss Brian Devlin said: "While last winter was not considered severe, it was prolonged and had one of the coldest March months on record.

"The gritting operation continued on a 24/7 basis and all priority carriageways and footways were maintained free of ice."

Priority routes include all bus routes in the city, A or B roads which are not bus routes, routes to dropping off points for special school buses and ambulances, roads to fire and police stations, bus garages and emergency vehicle bases.

Also regarded as a priority are roads to park and ride car parks, hills steeper than a one in 10 gradient, specially designated industrial areas, Buchanan Street Bus Station and bus turning areas.

Pedestrian precincts, city centre pavements, out of town shopping centres and pavements leading to schools are also a priority.

The salt used on roads is called 'Safecote', and can be applied at lower spread rates, meaning gritters can travel greater distances before having to reload.

Safecoat is less harmful to the environment and is 82% less corrosive than normal salt.

This year, a number of additional drivers will be available to supplement the regular 16 permanent nightshift drivers.

Alistair Watson, the council's roads spokesman, said: "The safety of our citizens and keeping Glasgow open for business are two of our biggest priorities.

"Our aim is to enable the safe passage of vehicles and pedestrians through the city and minimise delays caused by any severe winter weather.

"We have made it easier for people to plan their journeys by making more information available on our website.

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

"Our flexible fleet is now less reliant on vehicles with a single use, which lie dormant the rest of the year.

"By fitting demountable blades and spreaders to everything from trucks to tractors we now have the ability to use as many of our vehicles as possible for gritting and snow clearing.

"A total of 53% of the city's roads - 568 miles - are classed as priority routes and it is important people understand we must prioritise the city's main roads and bus routes.

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

"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 more than 1200 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, such as emergency school closures, so follow us @Glasgow CC.

"Our dedicated web pages at www.glasgow.gov.uk/winter also have a wealth of information and advice about traffic information, live gritting updates, locations of grit bins and getting about in snowy conditions."

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk