Agenda item

(1)       Further to Minute 39 of 5 July 2011, the allocated budget for winter service for 2011/12 was £3,159,581.  As in previous years the weather forecast service would be provided by Meteogroup and the ice prediction service by Vaisala Ltd. The three year contract for the weather forecast service expired next year and arrangements would be made to go out to tender for a new three year contract.

(2)       The Winter Service Policy was set out in the Appendix to the report. Members’ attention was directed to section 7.4.2 which set out the arrangements for parish councils to purchase salt bins. The Winter Service Plan had been updated and discussions had been had with the new contractor Enterprise plc to ensure that plans were aligned.  As reported in July, an initial screening had been carried out on the winter service policy and work was in progress for a full impact assessment to be made, the results of which would be reported to a future meeting of the POSC

(3)       The Winter Service Policy and Plan set out Highways and Transportation’s arrangements to deliver a winter service across Kent. Both documents had been updated and revised, including the provision for parish councils to purchase, manage and maintain salt bins.

(4)       During discussion the following issues were raised:-

(a)       Mr Harrison stated that not all Divisions had Parish Councils, and asked if traders and other groups would be able to purchase salt bags.  Mrs Valentine offered to speak to Mr Harrison direct, but had received such requests from Town Councils.

(b)       Mr Harrison asked what the position was relating to on-costs if a Member had funded a salt bin for 2011/12 from the Member Highway Fund.  Mrs Valentine stated that the charge included some future fills, after which Highways and Transportation took on responsibility for further fills.

(c)        Mr Manion referred to the absence in the policy of snow fencing.  Mrs Valentine stated that it would be put in place if it was felt necessary.

(d)               Mr Manning asked

·        In relation to snow clearance who was responsible for implementing the works and when.  Mrs Valentine stated that it depended on when the bad weather was expected, but H&T worked closely with the District Councils.

·        Who notified the farmers when they were needed to work and what was required.  Mrs Valentine stated that farmers were given pre-set routes at the start of the season, and following a recent Parish Councils Seminar, Parish Councils would act as co-ordinators.

·        In relation to the Member Highway Fund, a list of charges would be useful i.e. for salt bins, shovels, etc.  Mrs Valentine stated that if further supplies were needed engineers were available to advise Members of procedure.

(e)       Mr Collor asked if Town Councils could purchase salt bins in the same way as Parish Councils; and also referred to the colour of bins.  Mrs Valentine stated that Town Councils could purchase bins, and different colours helped to differentiate between KCC bins and Parish Council bins.  There were brochures available that detailed where bins could be purchased and colour choice.

(f)         Mrs Tweed referred to a previous discussion that had taken place with regard to the provision of salt bins for schools, and asked if there had been any development.  Mrs Valentine had had meetings with education, and stated that such a decision was a matter for individual headteachers.  Assistance was available in terms of what was required.

(g)       Mrs Tweed referred to National Cycle Route 18 – complaints had been made as to the absence of any salt bins or gritting along the route.  Mrs Tweed asked if something could be done to improve the situation, including other urban roads.  Would it be possible to use the Member Highway Fund to help.  Mrs Valentine stated that it would be, and undertook to discuss routes with Mrs Tweed direct.

(h)        Mr Cubitt requested confirmation that salt bins provided through the Member Highway Fund, and those provided by Parish Councils, were the same provided they met the criteria.  Mrs Valentine confirmed that they were.

(5)       RESOLVED that the Winter Service Policy and Plan as amended September 2011, be agreed.