Gritting policy changed in wake of fatal accident
CONCERNS were raised about the safety of Shetland Islands Council’s previous winter gritting policy following a fatal accident on an untreated icy road on Christmas Day in 2023.
However, the policy was changed in 2024 to introduce gritting, if conditions required, on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Harry Johnson, 84, was severely injured after his car slid on ice and collided with an oncoming vehicle on the A971 road near his Bixter home on Christmas Day in 2023.
He was taken to the Gilbert Bain Hospital where he unfortunately died overnight.
A ‘learning statement’ was published by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) this morning (Friday) which refers to the gritting policy in place at the time.
Johnson was travelling at less than 35mph on the untreated main road. He was on his way home after having enjoyed Christmas dinner with his family.
COPFS said Johnson’s car slid on ice and travelled into the opposing carriageway, with a collision then occurring.
Both vehicles involved in the accident were travelling well below the speed limit.
Weather conditions on 24 December 2023 meant that the local authority did not pre-grit the roads, according to the maintenance policy in place.
The purpose of the investigation by COPFS’ Scottish Fatalities Investigation Unit (SFIU) is to find out what happened and to help prevent similar deaths in the future.
SIC policy in place at the time meant there was no treatment of roads on Christmas Day and on New Year’s Day.
This has since been changed to pro-active gritting of priority one roads on both these days.
According to a council report a review into gritting arrangements was carried out in 2024 after a number of concerns raised, including the increased road users on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, and the need for people to travel outside of the hours of winter maintenance programme.
There were also concerns about clarity of communications with the emergency services when additional support is required.
The COPFS investigation concluded that the local authority’s actions on 24 December 2023 were consistent with its policy at the time and aligned with established national guidance.
The report added: “During the investigation, the local authority confirmed that it has since updated its winter roads maintenance policy.
“Under the new policy, Priority 1 roads in Shetland are now gritted on the mornings of both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.”
Procurator fiscal Andy Shanks, who leads on fatalities investigations for COPFS, added: “Publishing a learning statement allows us to set out clearly what our investigation found, and the steps taken to improve safety.
“Where issues of wider public concern have been identified and addressed, sharing this learning openly helps provide reassurance and supports safer practice in future.
“We are grateful for Mr Johnson’s family’s engagement throughout this process, and our thoughts remain with them.”
A spokesperson for Shetland Islands Council said: “Our thoughts are with the family of Mr Johnson who died following this road accident.
“We acknowledge the work of the COPFS in carrying out this investigation and publishing the learning statement. We’ve no further comment to make.”
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