Agenda item

(1)    The report detailed the actions taken due to the severe weather experienced at the end of 2010 and other actions taken by Kent Highway Services to manage the winter service.  It was generally accepted that the winter service during 10/11 was a significant improvement on the previous year, and it was vital that year on year learning and improvements continued to be built into the winter plan.

(2)    The allocated budget for winter service for 2010/11 was £2,490,581. There were two snow emergencies on 1^st to 5th and 18^th to 24^th December 2010 the respective cost of which were £718,010 and £925,922.  Apart from these the total expenditure on winter service for 2010/11 was circa £3,160,000.

(3)    Last year a consultation exercise was carried out of the winter service delivered by Kent Highway Services.  The final consultation report was produced by Ipsos MORI on 12 June 2010. As a result of the consultation a number of specific actions which included - Joint working with district councils; Salt bags; and Media and communications.

(4)    Over 180 farmers assisted in clearing snow in rural areas on snow days. Last year the decision was taken to renew the existing contracts and replace them with new three year contracts. The majority of the farmers renewed and a few new ones were taken on.

(5)    There were currently over 2000 salt bins located around the county. The 2010/11 winter service policy stated that salt bins were purchased by KHS after they had been assessed by an engineer. A set budget was allocated and salt bins were provided according to the score up to the budget limit. KHS then filled and maintained the bins.  Additionally Members could use their Member Highway Fund to purchase salt bins on behalf of parishes (this would be allowed even if the proposed site did not meet the required score).

(6)    Some parishes and community groups had expressed a desire to purchase and maintain their own salt bins and therefore Members of the committee were asked to consider the two options presented below and make a recommendation on which option should be included in this year’s Winter Service Policy:

Option 1 – Status Quo – as stated above

Advantages – salt bins were limited and managed by KHS and this limited the proliferation of salt bins around the county. Costs could be managed for future maintenance and filling

Disadvantage – did not meet the wishes/needs of all parishes and community groups

Option 2 – Parishes and community groups purchased their own salt bins

Advantages

(i)           Parishes took control of what was bought  for their own area

(ii)         They take responsibility for future maintenance and filling

Disadvantages

(i)           Increase in salt bins across the county, potentially with some that were not necessary in areas where KHS already provided winter service gritting

(ii)         From previous experience it was likely that In time these might become the responsibility of KHS in respect of maintenance, replacement and filling

(7)    RESOLVED that:-

(a)    Option 2 above be recommended for adoption for the provision of salt bins for the 2011/12 winter period; and

(b)    the report is to be noted.