Perth and Kinross buys quads bikes to clear footpaths of snow
Perth and Kinross Council has bought two quad bikes as part of its efforts to keep the area's footpaths clear of snow this winter.
The vehicles have been fitted with both snow ploughs and gritting equipment will be used to treat footways in towns and villages across the local authority area.
It is the first time the council will have used quads to clear paths.
The bikes are designed to cope with difficult terrain and heavy snowfall.
The council will operate the quads in Auchterarder, Aberuthven, Dunning, Blackford, Braco, Greenloaning, Luncarty, Almondbank and Methven.
Enterprise and infrastructure vice convener Joe Giacopazzi said: "This is the first winter that we will have used the quad bikes, and we are confident that they will make a difference to local communities in the event of severe weather.
"We are constantly looking at innovative ways we can improve our winter maintenance programme, and the introduction of the quad bikes is just one of the new approaches we are taking this winter to ensure that Perth and Kinross can be kept on the move during periods of freezing weather."
The authority said it was also making efforts to ensure roads stayed open 24 hours a day during winter.
Mr Giacopazzi said: "Another change we have made is to introduce a night shift of winter maintenance staff operating from Ruthvenfield depot in Perth.
"Staff will work throughout the night to keep roads clear of ice and snow, which will cut down on the number of early morning road treatments needed in Perth.
"Two additional ice early warning station systems are being installed at Craggantoul and Kinloch Rannoch, along with an additional camera on the A93 at Glenshee.
"These will provide information that will allow quicker response times and effective use of manpower resources."