Berkshire Business Continuity Forum

Planning for winter resilience16th November 2015

Webpages for info• Highways winter service plans run from early Nov to early April each year. Focus on

presalting, gritting and snow clearance on LA road network. Contractual arrangement between LA as the client and term maintenance works contractor (Ringways).

• Supported by broadly similar corporate severe weather plans which are activated at trigger points, support with priorities like redeployment of staff to assist with clearance around shopping areas, school drop off points, key footpath routes, subway entrances (as resources permit).

• Best source of info is relevant LA webpage• http://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/roadsgritting• http://www3.rbwm.gov.uk/info/200221/winter_roads/349/winter_services• http://www.slough.gov.uk/parking-travel-and-roads/winter-gritting.aspx• http://www.wokingham.gov.uk/transport/streets/ice/• http://www.reading.gov.uk/gritting• http://info.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=27900

Weather Forecasting - BFC

• Weather forecasts received daily at 13.00, with updates at 19.00, and also regularly if forecast changes significantly.

• Use the RoadCast service from the Meteogroup to inform decision making and action.

• It’s the road surface temp that’s important, often lower than the air temp. Often a temp difference across East/West Berkshire.

Gritting Facts & Figures - BFC

• Primary routes – A&B roads and other well trafficked routes. 41% of roads, 111 miles.

• Secondary routes – residential, bus routes, roads to schools etc. 35 miles, generally only treated when strong possibility of snow.

• 3rd tier – roads due to location or gradient, treated with demountable gritters if resources allow.

• Core network – strategic roads only, implemented in times of salt shortage directed by Government, 73 miles.

Gritting Facts & Figures - BFC

• Primary routes – covered by 3 salting routes, each designed to give a treatment time of 3hrs.

• Secondary routes – covered by 2 routes, same treatment time.

• Response time to mobilise is 1hr.• Priority footpaths/cycleways treated in same

way as secondary routes (staff redeployed).

Gritting Facts & Figures- BFC

• 4 gritters.• 1724 tonnes in stock (2009/10 down to 100 tonnes).• Use pre wetted salt (mixed with brine), salt grains

stick better when wet.• Salt does not melt ice, it lowers the freezing

temperature of water. Needs to trafficked to be effective.

• Salt is less effective below -6 and does not work below -10.

Salt bins

• Normally filled with a salt/git mix.• Provided at predetermined locations where

there is a need to undertake regular spot salting. 74 in Bracknell.

• 1 in 10 gradient, and strategic locations with high footfall. Parishes also tend to subsidise additional bins.

• Resident to use on roads, footpaths – not driveways!

Clearing snow and ice from pavements – will I get sued?

• There's no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully. Follow the snow code when clearing snow and ice safely.

• Occupiers of properties already have legal responsibilities to ensure that visitors are reasonably safe and therefore, failure to clear snow or ice from their own paths might result in them incurring liability. Much depends on the particular circumstances of the case.

• Be a good neighbour – check vulnerable people in your area are ok and offer to clear their paths.

Snow codePre-salt if possible before the snow comes

Clear the snow or ice early in the day

Use salt or sand - not water

Take care where you move the snow

Offer to clear your neighbours’ paths

If you clear snow and ice yourself, be careful - don’t make the pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze.

Don’t be put off clearing paths because you’re afraid someone will get injured.

Remember, people walking on snow and ice have responsibility to be careful themselves. Follow the advice below to make sure you clear the pathway safely and effectively.

Driving in adverse conditions• What is your organisations approach to snow?• Only make the journey if absolutely necessary• Work at home if possible• Pack an emergency bag

– Warm clothes– Waterproof coat– Thermos– Gloves and hat– Shovel– De-icer– Grit/salt