Councillor Steven Heddle, COSLA Environment and Economy Spokesperson said:

"Local Authorities take winter preparedness and maintenance extremely seriously. It is arguable that Local Authorities are better prepared now than in past decades as technology and forecasting advances help target roads which are at the greatest risk of ice and snow.

"Likewise, Councils also stockpile tonnes of grit and salt in readiness for each winter and work with Transport Scotland to monitor stocks. While Councils may be better prepared, over the years society has also changed – as has the economy, and indeed the climate.

"It is therefore hard to compare eras and it is misleading to assume there was less disruption in the past. It is undoubtedly true that 2018’s ‘Beast from the East’ would have caused substantial disruption in any decade.

"However, we cannot ignore the fact that Local Government budgets are under huge pressure, with roads services under particular strain to both make savings and meet public expectations.

"Dealing with winter weather is hard and expensive but by working together Local Authorities, pedestrians and road users can help make travelling in winter a little easier."