Agenda item

(To receive a report by Vincent van Doninck, Policy and Strategic Asset Manager, which invites the Committee to consider a report regarding the new Resilient Network and the Grit Bin resource)

Consideration was given to a report which invited the Committee to consider a report regarding the new Resilient Network and the Grit Bin resource.

Members were informed that within the new 'Well-Managed Highway Infrastructure' Code of Practice it was highlighted and recommended that each Local Authority should have a Resilient Network, which was described as a road network which "received priority through maintenance and other measures in order to maintain economic activity access to key services during disruptive events".  The Resilient Network which had been produced by the County Council identified all the critical routes within the county which were classed as priority in severe weather incidents. This took into account connectivity to major communities, access to emergency services, links to all critical infrastructure and transport hubs, repeat weather events and additional local factors.

In terms of git bins, members were advised that the Network Resilience Team, which was made up of three dedicated members of staff, was responsible for the managing and maintaining of all new and existing grit bins.  It was noted that the County Council currently maintained 2100 grit bins around local communities at approved locations.  A full restock of the 2100 grit bins was currently underway following the rapid depletion due to the cold winter experienced during the two "Beast from the East" weather events in late February and early March 2018. 

Members asked questions in relation to the information contained within the report and some of the points raised during discussion included the following:

·         It was confirmed that these documents were just to formalise those procedures which were already carried out in severe weather.

·         This Plan would be linking in with DfT best practice, and officers would look to see if there were any new routes which should be included in the system.

·         Clarification was sought regarding gritting routes around schools, as it was something which caused a lot of concern to parents who had to drive their children to school.

·         It was noted that the resilient network would only be implemented in severe weather events.  It was likely that during these events schools would be closed down quickly which was why they were not included within the Resilient Network.  However, schools were covered in the precautionary salting routes.

·         Members were advised that in relation to precautionary salting, the policy was to grit within 500m of every school, if the gritters could get to it. The resilient network was intended to keep critical infrastructure open and the weather conditions would need to be serious to take the extreme measure to drop down to just maintaining the main routes through the county.

·         It was not anticipated that the minimum network would be implemented often.

·         One member commented that they fully supported the proposed approach in relation to grit bins and the scoring system was excellent. 

·         It was suggested whether the 'responsible body' could also include the local member.

·         It was commented that it was not thought it would be difficult to get every Parish Meeting to be a responsible body. 

·         It was suggested that it would be useful if members could be made aware of where all the grit bins in their area were located.  It was thought that it would also be helpful if responsible bodies could also be provided with this information.

·         It was reported that requests for grit bin refills had been made but negative responses had been received.  Members were advised that it was hoped that this new policy would put in place a very clear process of what could be expected.  Priority would be given to those requests from responsible bodies.

·         Members welcomed the report and the steps which were being taken.

·         It was noted that Parishes had the opportunity to request a 1 tonne bag of grit at the beginning of each winter season and it was confirmed that this would still be included within the maintenance plan.

·         It was queried whether there was any guidance for the public who might be gritting roads in local areas using the grit bins.  It was agreed that information and guidance on this would be passed onto district communication teams.

·         Members were advised that there were some useful FAQs on the website and this information had been printed out and sent to Parish Councils including guidance on safe working.

·         It was noted that some Parish Councils did have emergency plans which now included lists of 4x4 drivers who were willing to provide assistance during severe weather events.

·         It was commented that some Parishes had bought a grit spreader and it was queried whether they could be provided with grit as they were currently buying their own.  Members were advised that they would be able to request the 1 tonne bag.

RESOLVED

            That the report and proposals for future service decisions be supported      by the Committee.