Decision details

Kent County Council is under a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow or ice. It is recognised that the winter service is essential in aiding the safe movement of highway users, maintaining communications, reducing delays and enabling everyday life to continue.  It is very important to both road safety and the local economy.  The winter service that the County Council provides is believed to be sufficient so far as is reasonably practical to discharge the duty imposed by the legislation. The winter service policy sets out how Highway Operations discharges its duties.

Members to decide to agree the updated winter service policy which will include an update on the procurement of the Winter Bureau and Weather Station Maintenance Service contract and the results of the brine treatment trial carried out during the last winter season.

Winter service is essential to keep Kent moving for social and economic development reasons. It also contributes towards Kent residents having a good quality of life in all weathers through local district winter plans, the provision of salt bins and the communication strategy that complements the winter service policy.

As Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport & Waste, I agree the proposed changes to the Winter Service Policy for 2017/18 as shown below and at paragraph 7.1 of the accompanying recommendation report:

(s.1.3.2) - Medway Council winter service on behalf of KCC to be formalised;

(s. 3.3.2) - Brine only trial to be extended;

(s. 4.4.1) - Bureau Maintenance service for weather stations contract to be procured; and

(s 5.5.1) - instructions for precautionary slating of primary routes to be carried out in line with KCC winter treatment instruction matrix contained in the Winter Service Plan 2017/18.