To consider a report from the Head of Infrastructure and Communities on the lessons learnt from the previous winter maintenance plan and to consider the planning for winter 2018/19

Contact:  Steve Brown, Transport and Highways, Tel 01743 257809

The Highways, Transport and Environment Commissioning Manager introduced his report on Winter Service, Review and Preparation for the New National Code of Practice.  He explained that the Council had a duty under the Highways Act 1980, Section 41 (1A) to provide a winter service for the road network in the County. The revised Code of Practice [Well Managed Highway Infrastructure] required the review of operational preparedness for the winter service season of 2018/19.  As a result, the Council had refreshed and improved its Winter Service Policy and its Winter Service Operational Plan.

Members noted that the severe winter of 2017/18 had tested the service and had seen drivers working almost to the limit of their legally permitted hours, for which an exemption from the Department of Transport would have had be obtained.  It was anticipated that winter weather as severe as the previous season would only be expected every 7 to 8 years and the service had coped well.  Each depot was provided with weather station data and a protocol to deliver the required service.  All decisions made were recorded with the reasons and evidence, and could be made available to the courts if a dispute arose.  

Members noted that the policy had been refreshed and not rewritten.  The policy and plan would be considered by Cabinet in September 2018 and if approved would be implemented on the 1^st October 2018 for the 2018/19 winter season.

The Highways, Transport and Environment Commissioning Manager explained that the purpose of the Winter Service Plan was to deliver a resilient road network and keep key highways operational, maintaining access to businesses and hospitals during poor weather.  He outlined a number of new initiatives set out in the report, such as use of the internet and social media to provide improved guidance to householders and shop owners the appropriate action to remove snow and ice from frontages.  Also, pilot schemes working with Town and Parish Councils establishing snow volunteers and pot hole wardens were proposed.

In answer to a Member’s question, the Highways, Transport and Environment Commissioning Manager explained that it was necessary to identify the road network which would be treated if required to avoid litigation.  He continued that the identified network was shown on the website.  A Member observed that pavements should be included in the policy.

The Highways, Transport and Environment Commissioning Manager responded to a Member’s enquiry about the discrepancy between other counties treating 54% of their road network compared to Shropshire’s 28%, by explaining that it was due to the nature of the roads in Shropshire with 65-70% of roads being unclassified.  He continued that the counties which treated greater numbers of their roads were the ones with urban conurbations.  The resources available also impacted on the number of roads that the Council was able to treat. 

Members noted that the range of equipment held in depots across the county differed due to the situations it would be used in.  The majority of the equipment was held in the South of the County due to the nature of its landscape. The Highways, Transport and Environment Commissioning Manager added that all equipment was owned by the Highways Department and personnel were trained to use it. 

Members requested more information on how the roads around schools and school bus routes were prioritised for treatment.  It was explained that schools did receive a greater priority but where they were in isolated areas it was often too difficult or dangerous for clearance vehicles to attempt access and it was expected that in severe weather the schools would close.  Member noted that the majority of schools in these inaccessible areas were primary schools.  

It was suggested that a Members’ Briefing on the Winter Service Programme could be held in the autumn. 

Members recognised the work of local farmers who contributed to the road clearance efforts.  It was observed many of the farmers contracted by the Council to clear roads with their own equipment were near retirement age and it was important that younger farmers were recruited and trained to replace them at the appropriate time.  The Portfolio Holder for Transport and Highways confirmed that there were sufficient farmers and equipment contracted to clear roads in a winter with average weather conditions. 

In response to a Member’s query about increased expenditure caused by the severe weather in the winter 2017/18, the Portfolio Holder for Highways and Transport explained that there was a contingency fund which could be accessed in severe winters to ensure that the service was maintained.  He continued that it was not possible to provide grit and salt to Town Councils or members of the public as supplies needed to be conserved for Council use and in the event of other Councils having insufficient supplies the Government could requisition supplies for other authorities. 

RESOLVED

i.     That the report, including the defined network (28% of the network), be noted;

ii.      that the Winter Service Programme be added to the Work Programme for reconsideration in Spring 2019; and

iii.      That a Members Briefing be held in Autumn 2018 on the Winter Service Programme.