Issue - meetings

Report by Mr Nick Chard, Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Waste)

(1)       The past winter was the worst in the UK for over 30 years. This impacted on services and agencies across the country as well as in our region. The report set out how key operators in Kent fared during the severe weather and the lessons learnt that would be used to improve services in the future.

(2)       Kent Highway Serviceshad a Winter Service Policy and Plan which was approved by the POSC in September 2009. These set out how KHS dealt with keeping the highway network free from snow and ice.  The report included information relating to snow emergencies; salt bins; district council assistance; salt;  media; customer contact; staffing; future development of the winter service; Southeastern; Eurostar; Eurotunnel; and the Port of Dover.

(2)           There followed a question and answer session which included the following issues:-

·        The inclusion of small hamlets in future plans

·        The employment of District Councils’ workforce to assist with snow clearance

·        The gritting of roads not on bus routes and the condition of pavements

(4)     Resolved that:-

(a)          the report be noted;

(b)          officers be thanked for the excellent service provided, and for the regular member updates; and

          (c)     a more detailed report be submitted to the POSC at a meeting to be arranged in May.