Agenda item

To consider a report by the Asset and Risk Manager (copy enclosed) which seeks Members’ observations on the proposed winter maintenance arrangements to deal with adverse and severe weather conditions on the county’s roads.

                                                                                                         10.45 a.m.

A copy of report by the Head of Environment (HE), which sought Members’ observations on the proposed winter maintenance arrangements to deal with adverse and severe weather conditions on the county’s roads, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

The report provided information on the delivery of safer routes for the County’s residents and on keeping the County open for business during adverse weather conditions.  Members were requested to consider the information provided and comment on the Winter Maintenance arrangements in place and whether they would be sufficient for an average winter, with more severe conditions being covered by contingency considerations. 

Minor alterations had been made to the approach to winter maintenance for 2013/14 and the report highlighted the changes and improvements.   However, good practice from previous years would be retained.  The 11 gritting routes would remain, however, the routes did not fully mirror the extent of the principal bus network and as a result three of the routes had been amended and extended to include an enhanced level of service in the Cwm, Llangwyfan/Llangynhafal and Derwen/Clawddnewydd areas. 

The HE responded to a question from Councillor J.S. Welch and confirmed that the suspension of the Nantglyn bus service would not affect the gritting programme in that area.  He also explained that a number of roads on urban bus routes would be treated on a reactive basis.

A minimum of 33 drivers would be required to meet legislation relating to drivers working hours with some relief drivers being utilised to provide additional resilience.  In terms of plant four new gritters would be added to update the ageing fleet and this would provide three spare vehicles.  The services of a number of Agricultural Contractors would be retained to provide a support service to the remainder of the rural network in the event of any snowfall.  One would be equipped with salt spreading capability in the Llangollen area, which had proved particularly effective, and at least one more spreader would be procured to be deployed in the Bryneglwys area with further extensions in the coming years.

Works to provide a hard standing in the Ruthin depot had provided a significant increase in capacity, and further salt deliveries would be made as the season progresses.          During recent years treated salt had been utilised in the Kinmel depot.  However, due to changes in recommended salt spread frequency and rates and a review of costs, it had been decided to revert to the standard dry salt on all of routes.  The supplier had built up the strategic stock at the mine in Cheshire and in addition the Welsh Government was currently constructing a Strategic Salt Store in Rhuallt which Denbighshire would have access to should the need arise.  Salt heaping and salt bin replenishment would begin in September and be completed before the end of October, with restocking taking place as and when required.

The usual rota arrangements for forecasting and supervision would continue to ensure 24 hour cover which could be increased if conditions dictate.  The communication strategy developed over recent years in conjunction with the Public Relations team and Customer Services, which had proved effective, would be utilised again.

                        It was a service priority that residents and visitors to Denbighshire would have access to a safe and well-managed road network, and the provision of a timely and effective winter maintenance activity would be a fundamental aspect of the aim.  The base budget from the Highways revenue allocation of £709K remained, with further contingency available of £226K in the event of severe conditions.  In reply to a question from Councillor P.A. Evans, the HE confirmed that the situation of an underspend had not occurred and he expressed concern regarding the level of contingency balance available in the event of severe winter conditions.  Severe weather in March had resulted in the contingency having to be utilised, with ten days of snow clearance activity having cost £176,000.

In reply to a question from Councillor C.H. Williams regarding the provision of snow clearing on private lanes or drives, the HE provided details of the Council’s responsibilities and Winter Maintenance policy and explained that the winter maintenance section did work with Social Services, if welfare issues arose, and with organisations such as the Mountain Rescue Service and Red Cross.  

The HE responded to questions from Councillor G.M. Kensler and explained that any winter maintenance work undertaken on trunk roads was recharged to Welsh Government.  He confirmed that in in the event of severe weather conditions public realm staff would undertake snow clearing duties in Town Centre’s and liaise with shop keepers to clear pedestrian areas.  It was confirmed by the HE that cross boundary highway gritting arrangements were agreed annually between neighbouring authorities.

At the request of the Chair it was agreed that an information report on the Council’s arrangements to address minor and medium scale flooding incidents be circulated to Committee members. 

RESOLVED – that -

(a)  the Committee, having considered the report, concludes that the winter maintenance arrangements in place should be sufficient for an average winter, with more severe conditions being covered by contingency considerations; and

(b)  an information report be submitted to the Committee outlining the Council’s arrangements to deal with minor to medium scale flooding incidents.