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Report - London Borough of Hillingdon

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To:<br />

COUNCILLOR KEITH BURROWS<br />

CABINET MEMBER FOR PLANNING,<br />

TRANSPORTATION AND RCYCLING<br />

Democratic Services<br />

Location: 3E/05<br />

Ext: 0692<br />

DDI: 01895 250692<br />

My Ref: NJ<br />

c.c. All Members <strong>of</strong> Executive Scrutiny<br />

Committee<br />

c.c. Chairman <strong>of</strong> Residents’ & Environmental<br />

Services Policy Overview Committee<br />

c.c. Jean Palmer, Corporate Director<br />

c.c. John Fern, PEECS<br />

c.c. Conservative and Labour Group Offices<br />

(inspection copy)<br />

Date: 24 May 2011<br />

Decision Request Form INDIVIDUAL CABINET MEMBER<br />

WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

Attached is a report requesting that a decision be made by you as an individual<br />

Cabinet Member. I can confirm that the decision has been identified in the Forward<br />

Plan and it is therefore in order for you to make a decision. You should take a<br />

decision on or after Thursday 2 June 2011 in order to meet Constitutional<br />

requirements about publication <strong>of</strong> decisions that are to be made.<br />

Please indicate your decision on the duplicate memo supplied, and return it to me<br />

when you have made your decision. I will then arrange for the formal notice <strong>of</strong><br />

decision to be published. You may wish to discuss the report with the Corporate<br />

Director before it is made. If you do not wish to accept the <strong>of</strong>ficer’s recommendation<br />

and the reasons for it, you are urged to contact the Corporate Director before making<br />

this decision.<br />

Please note that your decision may be subject to call-in and will not therefore be<br />

implemented until 5 working days after it has been published.<br />

NAV JOHAL<br />

Democratic Services Officer<br />

Title <strong>of</strong> <strong>Report</strong>: Winter Service Operational Plan<br />

Decision made:<br />

Reasons for your decision : (e.g. as stated in report)<br />

Alternatives considered and rejected : (e.g. as stated in report)<br />

Signed ………………………………………………………Date……………………..<br />

Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling


Winter Service Operational Plan<br />

Cabinet Member<br />

Cabinet Portfolio<br />

Officer Contact<br />

Councillor Keith Burrows<br />

Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation & Recycling<br />

John Fern<br />

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services<br />

Papers with report Winter Service Operational Plan 2011/12.<br />

HEADLINE INFORMATION<br />

Purpose <strong>of</strong> report<br />

To provide the Cabinet Member with the Public Highways Winter<br />

Service Operational Plan for the coming winter 2011/12.<br />

Contribution to our<br />

plans and strategies<br />

The Public Highways Winter Service Plan makes a significant<br />

contribution to the council’s duty to maintain the highway and<br />

assists with achieving a ‘safe borough’ and a ‘clean and attractive<br />

borough’.<br />

Financial Cost The operational budget for this winter (2011/12) is £298,800.<br />

Relevant Policy<br />

Overview Committee<br />

Ward(s) affected<br />

Residents’ and Environmental Services.<br />

All<br />

RECOMMENDATION<br />

That the Cabinet Member approves the Public Highways Winter Services Operational<br />

Plan for implementation in 2011/12.<br />

INFORMATION<br />

Reasons for recommendation<br />

The Council has a statutory duty, so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure that safe<br />

passage along a highway is not endangered by snow or ice. In order to discharge this duty the<br />

Council has in place a Public Highways Winter Maintenance Operational Plan, which details the<br />

policies and procedures in place to manage the road network in adverse winter weather<br />

conditions, as well as providing operational and technical service information. This will be the<br />

fifth winter that the Plan has been used and but for minor alterations it has provided a sound<br />

basis for the Council’s winter maintenance operations.<br />

Alternative options considered / risk management<br />

No alternative options considered.<br />

Cabinet Member report – 24 May 2011 Page 1<br />

PART – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS


Comments <strong>of</strong> Policy Overview Committee(s)<br />

None at this stage.<br />

Supporting Information<br />

1. A very brief non-technical resume <strong>of</strong> the policy and procedures is set out below.<br />

2. The objective <strong>of</strong> the winter maintenance service provided by the Council is to maintain<br />

communications and enable every day life to continue during adverse weather<br />

conditions. In doing so it addresses the issues <strong>of</strong> safety, highway availability and<br />

ensuring that delays to the travelling public are kept to a minimum on the treated<br />

network. This policy is in line with the principles laid down in the code <strong>of</strong> good practice<br />

‘Delivering Best Value in Highway maintenance’ published by the institution <strong>of</strong> Highways<br />

and Transportation. The Operational Plan has also taken account <strong>of</strong> ‘Well-Maintained<br />

Highways, Code <strong>of</strong> Practice for Highways Maintenance Management’, by the Roads<br />

liaison Group and ‘Lessons from the Severe Weather February 2009’ also by the Roads<br />

Liaison Group.<br />

3. The winter maintenance season extends from 29 October to 01 April and is a 24/7<br />

operation throughout that period. Weather forecasts are received every day, which<br />

includes road surface temperature information and this information is used to help<br />

determine the appropriate action.<br />

4. The Council salts 26 routes, which approximates to 46% <strong>of</strong> the adopted highway<br />

network, and amounts to in excess <strong>of</strong> 413 miles (667 km) <strong>of</strong> road. In extreme icy<br />

conditions a number <strong>of</strong> additional roads are also salted. Details <strong>of</strong> the predetermined<br />

routes and extreme icy routes are given in the Operational Plan.<br />

5. The main factors used in drawing up the predetermined routes are to maintain:<br />

a. Links to the national road network, industry, commercial and business centres.<br />

b. Maintain public transport and access by emergency services.<br />

c. Journeys to and from work and education.<br />

6. There are three principal winter operations:<br />

a. Pre-treatment, commonly known as ‘precautionary salting’ to prevent ice forming.<br />

b. Post-treatment, commonly known as ‘post salting’ to melt ice and snow that has<br />

already formed.<br />

c. Snow clearing to remove significant accumulations <strong>of</strong> snow by the use <strong>of</strong> snow<br />

ploughs, other heavy machinery and manual labour.<br />

7. The adoption <strong>of</strong> the Highway Service Operational Plan is a key decision as it affects all<br />

the residents <strong>of</strong> the borough. Formal adoption <strong>of</strong> the Plan will show that the Council has<br />

acknowledged its responsibilities and duties to maintain the network and has a working,<br />

evolving document in place to manage and implement its policy and procedures.<br />

Financial Implications<br />

The 2011/12 operational budget for the Winter Maintenance service is £298,800. The budget is<br />

monitored as part <strong>of</strong> the standard monthly budget monitoring cycle, with any variations reported<br />

through to Cabinet in the monthly revenue and capital monitoring report.<br />

Cabinet Member report – 24 May 2011 Page 2<br />

PART – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS


EFFECT ON RESIDENTS, SERVICE USERS & COMMUNITIES<br />

What will be the effect <strong>of</strong> the recommendation?<br />

The implementation <strong>of</strong> the Public Highways Winter Service Operational Plan will continue to<br />

positively impact on all the residents <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Borough</strong> through the maintenance <strong>of</strong><br />

communications and will enable every day life to continue during adverse weather conditions. It<br />

addresses the issues <strong>of</strong> safety, highway availability and ensures that delays to the travelling<br />

public are kept to a minimum on the treated network.<br />

Consultation Carried Out or Required<br />

None.<br />

CORPORATE IMPLICATIONS<br />

Corporate Finance<br />

N/A<br />

Legal<br />

Highway authorities have a statutory duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the<br />

highway is kept free from ice and snow.<br />

The duty is set out in Section 41 (1A) <strong>of</strong> the Highways Act 1980 as amended by Section 111 <strong>of</strong><br />

the Railways and Transport Act 2003. The relevant part <strong>of</strong> Section 41 now reads:<br />

“a) The authority who are for the time being the highway authority for a highway<br />

maintainable at the public expense are under a duty, subject to subsections (2)<br />

and (3) below, to maintain the highway.<br />

b) (1) In particular, a highway authority are under a duty to ensure, so far as is<br />

reasonably practicable, that safe passage along a highway is not endangered by<br />

snow or ice.”<br />

The inclusion <strong>of</strong> the words “so far as is reasonably practicable” mean the duty to keep the<br />

highway free <strong>of</strong> ice and snow is not absolute. The National Code <strong>of</strong> Practice for Highway<br />

Maintenance ‘Well-maintained Highways’ published July 2005 (as amended) states that that<br />

due to the scale <strong>of</strong> the financial and other resources that are potentially involved in delivering a<br />

winter service, and the difficulties in maintaining high levels <strong>of</strong> plant utilisation for specialist<br />

equipment, it may not be practicable to provide the service on all parts <strong>of</strong> the network to ensure<br />

running surfaces are kept free <strong>of</strong> ice or snow at all times, even on the treated parts <strong>of</strong> the<br />

network.<br />

The Code goes on to state that in these circumstances, in order to comply with the changes in<br />

legislation, it will be necessary to undertake risk assessments to establish which routes should<br />

be included in a programme <strong>of</strong> treatment during inclement weather.<br />

The Code recommends that Authorities should formally approve and adopt a Winter Service<br />

Policy and Winter Service Operational Plan, it recommends issues to be considered when<br />

Cabinet Member report – 24 May 2011 Page 3<br />

PART – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS


drafting the documents and that all aspects <strong>of</strong> the Operational Plan should be reviewed annually<br />

in consultation with users and key stakeholders.<br />

Additional statutory duties upon the highway authority relevant to this matter are:<br />

• Section 150 <strong>of</strong> the Highways Act 1980 which imposes a duty upon authorities to remove any<br />

obstruction <strong>of</strong> the highway resulting from “accumulation <strong>of</strong> snow or from the falling down <strong>of</strong><br />

banks on the side <strong>of</strong> the highway, or from any other cause” and<br />

• the Traffic Management Act 2004 which requires authorities to do all that is reasonably<br />

practicable to manage the network effectively to keep traffic moving. In meeting the duty,<br />

authorities are required to establish contingency plans for dealing promptly and effectively<br />

with unplanned events, such as unforeseen weather conditions, as far as is reasonably<br />

practicable.<br />

In addition to the statutory duties and powers, authorities have a general duty <strong>of</strong> care to users<br />

and the community to maintain the highway in a condition fit for its purpose.<br />

BACKGROUND PAPERS<br />

Public Highways Winter Service Operational Service Plan 2011/12.<br />

Cabinet Member report – 24 May 2011 Page 4<br />

PART – MEMBERS, PUBLIC AND PRESS


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

FOR PUBLIC HIGHWAYS WITHIN THE<br />

LONDON BOROUGH OF HILLINGDON


2011/2012<br />

(28 th Oct 2011 to 30th March 2012)<br />

VOLUME 1 – Policies and Service Arrangements.<br />

WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

0. Summary<br />

1. Introduction<br />

1.1 Winter Service<br />

1.2 Objectives<br />

1.3 Weather Forecasts<br />

1.4 Winter Service Operations for the 2011/12 Season<br />

1.5 What & When Do We Grit<br />

1.6 Salt Stocks<br />

1.7 FAQs<br />

2. Summary <strong>of</strong> Revisions<br />

2.1. Changes from 2010/2011.<br />

3. Statement <strong>of</strong> Policies and Responsibilities<br />

3.1. Policies and objectives.<br />

3.2. Client and Highways Responsive Maintenance Team risks and responsibilities.<br />

3.3. Decision making process and responsibilities.<br />

3.4. Salt Treatments<br />

3.5 Service delivery from the Highways Responsive Maintenance Section, (HRMS).<br />

3.6. Liaison arrangements with other authorities.<br />

4. Quality<br />

4.1 Document control procedures.<br />

4.2 Circulation <strong>of</strong> documents.<br />

4.3 Information recording and analysis.<br />

4.4 Arrangements for performance monitoring, audit, and updating.<br />

5. Route Planning for Carriageways, Footways and Cycle Routes<br />

5.1. Carriageway routes for pre-treatment.<br />

5.2. Carriageway routes for post-treatment.<br />

5.3. Ad hoc post-treatment.<br />

5.4. Other post-treatment operations.<br />

5.5. Routes for footway treatment.<br />

5.6. Routes for cycleway/footpath and bridge treatment.<br />

5.7. Response and treatment times for carriageway and footway treatments.<br />

5.8. Standard Labour Force Working/Gritting Cyclic Schedule<br />

5.9 Location and maintenance <strong>of</strong> salt bins and salt stores.<br />

5.10 Resilience Network.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 2 <strong>of</strong> 29


6. Weather Prediction and Information<br />

6.1. Forecasting, inspections and other decision support information<br />

6.2. Information to be provided<br />

6.3. Timing and circulation <strong>of</strong> information<br />

6.4. <strong>Report</strong>ing procedure<br />

7. Organisational Arrangements and Personnel<br />

7.1 Organisational chart and employee responsibilities.<br />

7.2 Employee duty schedules, Rota and standby arrangements.<br />

7.3 Plant and vehicle manning arrangements.<br />

7.4 Training and development arrangements.<br />

7.5 Health and safety procedures.<br />

8 Plant, Vehicles and Equipment<br />

8.1 Fleet inventory including license requirements and capacity.<br />

8.2 Location <strong>of</strong> plant, vehicles and other equipment.<br />

8.3 Garaging, servicing and maintenance arrangements.<br />

8.4 Calibration procedures.<br />

8.5 Fuel stocks and locations.<br />

9 Salt and De–Icing Materials<br />

9.1 Location and capacity <strong>of</strong> stocks for salt and other materials.<br />

9.2 Supply and testing arrangements.<br />

9.3 Delivery arrangements.<br />

9.4 Treatment requirements including spread rates.<br />

9.5 Contacts and purchasing arrangements for supplies.<br />

10 Treatment Methods<br />

10.1 Precautionary Salting<br />

10.2 Snow Clearance<br />

11 Operational Communications<br />

11.1 Technical systems information.<br />

11.2 <strong>Report</strong>ing arrangements and protocols.<br />

12 Information and Publicity<br />

12.1 Local press and broadcast contact information.<br />

12.2 Responsibilities and guidance for providing information.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 3 <strong>of</strong> 29


Volume 2: - Appendices and Annexes<br />

Appendices<br />

Annex<br />

1 Northern Area<br />

A Salting Routes and Winter Maintenance Service.<br />

B Primary and Secondary Footway Treatment.<br />

C Salt Bin Locations.<br />

D Ice Sign Locations.<br />

2 Southern Area<br />

A Salting Routes and Winter Maintenance Service.<br />

B Primary and Secondary Footway Treatment.<br />

C Salt Bin Locations.<br />

D Ice Sign Locations.<br />

3 Weather Forecasting and Decision Making<br />

Procedure.<br />

4 Climatic Domains Map<br />

5 ‘Daily Decision’ – Standard Pr<strong>of</strong>orma and Letters.<br />

6<br />

Winter Service Daily Operational & Defect <strong>Report</strong><br />

7<br />

Highway ‘Out <strong>of</strong> Hours’ Duty Engineer Rota.<br />

8 Adjoining Highway Authorities and Contacts.<br />

9 Weather Terminology.<br />

10 Self Care - Guidelines For Highway Users During<br />

Winter.<br />

11 Salt Bins - Guidelines For Their Use.<br />

12 Changes in Winter Service Operational Plan.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 4 <strong>of</strong> 29


0. SUMMARY<br />

The Winter Service Operational Plan sets out the objectives for the <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />

<strong>Hillingdon</strong>’s winter service. The Plan details the organisational procedures, the winter weather<br />

forecasts and the decision-making process (i.e. “when we grit”). It explains who is responsible<br />

for the service delivery and sets out the required documentation and information recording<br />

measures for performance and auditing procedures. The list <strong>of</strong> gritting routes and the process<br />

<strong>of</strong> gritting treatments for those routes are provided together with the service delivery times. The<br />

plant and equipment required for delivering the service, along with the support to maintain the<br />

service are explained. The arrangements for purchasing, supply and storage <strong>of</strong> the salt and deicing<br />

materials is provided. Operational communications and technical systems information are<br />

detailed and information given regarding publicity and national contacts.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 5 <strong>of</strong> 29


1. INTRODUCTION<br />

1.1 Winter Service<br />

A winter service not only deals with exceptional winter weather events but also with regular,<br />

frequent and reasonably predictable occurrences like low temperatures, ice and snow.<br />

Responsibility for the delivery <strong>of</strong> Winter Service rests with <strong>Hillingdon</strong> council as highway<br />

authority for its borough roads, and is a year-round process linked with <strong>Hillingdon</strong>’s wider<br />

resilience planning.<br />

1.2 Objectives<br />

The objective <strong>of</strong> the winter service provided by the <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Council, as highway authority, is<br />

to maintain communications and enable every day life to continue during adverse weather<br />

conditions. In doing so it addresses the issues <strong>of</strong> safety, highway availability and ensures that<br />

delays to the travelling public are kept to a minimum on the treated network.<br />

The Councils aim is to provide an effective and efficient winter service to allow:<br />

• The safe passage <strong>of</strong> vehicles and pedestrians on the network <strong>of</strong> gritting routes.<br />

• To minimise and control delays due to winter weather.<br />

• To carry out operations safely.<br />

The aim <strong>of</strong> the Winter Service Operational Plan is to set out how the winter service is to be<br />

provided by the <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong><br />

1.3 Weather Forecasts<br />

Weather forecasts are provided on an area basis by the Met Office as our forecast provider.<br />

Separate forecasts are provided for each <strong>of</strong> eight areas (or “domains”) across <strong>London</strong>, so<br />

gritting operations can be implemented according to the forecast in that particular domain. Each<br />

domain covers areas <strong>of</strong> similar climatic characteristics; <strong>Hillingdon</strong> is covered by two domains<br />

(Nos 4 & 7 - see Appendix 4) and the boundary between them runs approximately along the<br />

A40.<br />

Weather forecasts will be received several times a day, and, in extreme weather <strong>of</strong>ficers speak<br />

directly to weather forecasters to get the latest information. Forecasts include road surface<br />

temperature information which is used to help determine the appropriate action.<br />

1.4 Winter Service Operations for the 2011/12 Season<br />

For 2011/12 the winter service season extends from 28 October to 30 March and is a 24/7<br />

operation throughout that period.<br />

There are three principal winter operations:<br />

• Pre-treatment, commonly known as ‘precautionary salting’ to prevent ice forming.<br />

• Post-treatment, commonly known as ‘post salting’ to melt ice and snow that has already<br />

formed.<br />

• Snow clearing to remove significant accumulations <strong>of</strong> snow by the use <strong>of</strong> snow ploughs<br />

other heavy machinery and manual labour.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 6 <strong>of</strong> 29


1.5 What & When Do We Grit<br />

1.5.1 Pre - Treatment<br />

In common with many authorities the borough does not pre-treat all <strong>of</strong> its road network. The aim<br />

<strong>of</strong> the service is to salt a network such that road users have a relatively short distance to travel<br />

to get to a salted route. The <strong>Borough</strong> salts 8 pre-determined routes, which in total approximate<br />

to 190 miles (307 km), or 46% <strong>of</strong> the adopted highway network which totals 413 miles (667 km)<br />

<strong>of</strong> road.<br />

The main criterion used in drawing up the predetermined routes was to maintain:<br />

• Links to the national road network, industry, commercial and business centres.<br />

• Maintain public transport and access by emergency services.<br />

• Journeys to and from work.<br />

Depending on the forecasted severity <strong>of</strong> the weather, precautionary salting will take place over<br />

differing extents <strong>of</strong> the road network: When the road surface temperatures are expected to fall<br />

below 0 o C and:<br />

• Roads are expected to remain generally dry, then “Blackspots” are treated. “Blackspots”<br />

are hills, junctions and known areas where it is known that frost or ice is likely to form locally<br />

(see Appendices 1A and 2A for location lists)<br />

• Icy frost is expected to form, then Priority Routes are treated - routes <strong>of</strong> primary<br />

importance which tend to be “A“ roads and “B“ roads (see Appendices 1A and 2A for<br />

location lists).<br />

• Icy patches or widespread ice is expected to form, or snow is expected, then Priority and<br />

Secondary routes are treated. They include all roads which fall under the criterion used to<br />

draw up the predetermined routes (see Appendices 1A and 2A for location lists)<br />

1.5.2 Post Treatment<br />

Post salting will only be considered on minor roads not included in the pre-determined routes in<br />

response to a specific report that a particular road is in an icy condition and then only after it has<br />

been inspected to confirm that treatment is necessary.<br />

Minor roads will not be treated with salt until after the pre-determined routes have been<br />

sufficiently treated to ensure that they remain open to traffic at all times. These roads will then<br />

be treated on a hierarchical basis <strong>of</strong> importance and in response to specific requests from the<br />

Police, public etc.<br />

No footways, pedestrian precincts or cycle ways are specifically included in pre-determined<br />

routes for precautionary salting. Nevertheless, there will be a certain amount <strong>of</strong> over spill <strong>of</strong> salt<br />

onto footways and cycle ways when precautionary salting is being carried out on adjacent<br />

carriageways.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 7 <strong>of</strong> 29


Footways will only be treated once snow has settled or during periods <strong>of</strong> prolonged freezing<br />

conditions on a priority basis at locations including (See Annex B to Appendices 1 & 2):<br />

• Town Centres<br />

• Hospitals<br />

• Old Peoples Homes<br />

• Day Centres<br />

• Schools (during term times only)<br />

• Footbridges<br />

• Bus Stops<br />

Secondary footway treatment will be carried out once Priority footways have been treated (See<br />

Annex B to Appendices 1 & 2). If any reports <strong>of</strong> icy footways are received for locations not<br />

included on the Priority or Secondary listings, the footway will be inspected to assess whether it<br />

should be treated or not.<br />

1.6 Salt Stocks<br />

Over the last two decades, winters across England have been relatively mild. However,<br />

February 2009 saw a prolonged period <strong>of</strong> cold weather and snowfall that resulted, across the<br />

country, in significant disruption to travel to a range <strong>of</strong> public services, and to business. Many<br />

highway authorities would have run out <strong>of</strong> salt for treating highways had milder weather not<br />

arrived.<br />

The February snow was only one period during a winter which was the most severe for at least<br />

18 years. Freezing conditions and snowfall began in October and continued across the country<br />

during much <strong>of</strong> December, January and February. Particular issues for highways were the<br />

significantly larger than expected volumes <strong>of</strong> salt needed from earlier in the winter through to<br />

February to prevent roads and footways freezing and help clear snow.<br />

Focus fell upon the need to ensure salt did not run out by:<br />

• Carrying a higher level <strong>of</strong> salt stock at the beginning and throughout the winter season (if<br />

suppliers can satisfy the increased demand for salt)<br />

• minimising the area <strong>of</strong> highway salted, or<br />

• by minimising the amount <strong>of</strong> salt put down (i.e. minimising the spread rate)<br />

This has lead to highway authorities across the country defining their Resilience Networks, a<br />

“fall back” minimum network <strong>of</strong> essential roads to be salted when salt stocks are low and resupply<br />

is uncertain. Should it be necessary to reduce salt usage in the face <strong>of</strong> a national salt<br />

shortage like it was in 2009/10, we have developed <strong>Hillingdon</strong>’s Resilience network to prepare<br />

for this eventuality and keep the borough moving. We want to be as prepared as possible, and<br />

this network is designed to make best possible use <strong>of</strong> our stockpiled supplies in extreme<br />

situations.<br />

<strong>Hillingdon</strong>’s Resilience Network was put into operation in November/December 2010 when the<br />

whole country experienced the coldest winter on record. The Winter Service Plan was tested to<br />

the full and ensured that access to the boroughs network <strong>of</strong> roads was maintained.<br />

.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 8 <strong>of</strong> 29


1.7 Frequently Asked Questions<br />

Here are answers to a number <strong>of</strong> frequently asked questions about how <strong>Hillingdon</strong> responds to<br />

winter weather:<br />

• When does salting take place?<br />

• Which roads are salted?<br />

• How does spreading salt help?<br />

• Can I clear the snow outside my house?<br />

• How well did the council cope with last winter 2010/11?<br />

• How has the council learned the lessons <strong>of</strong> last year’s winter weather?<br />

• Last year’s severe winter weather produced lots <strong>of</strong> potholes in the roads – what did the<br />

Council do about them?<br />

• Does the Council have enough salt for this winter?<br />

• How do I get my road added to the salting routes?<br />

When does salting take place?<br />

In <strong>Hillingdon</strong> we define the winter period as starting at the end <strong>of</strong> October and finishing at the<br />

end <strong>of</strong> March. <strong>Hillingdon</strong> has a relatively mild winter climate when compared to other parts <strong>of</strong><br />

Britain. This means temperatures <strong>of</strong>ten hover around the freezing point and these marginal<br />

conditions can make things difficult when making the decision whether or not to salt.<br />

We work very closely with weather forecasters to ensure that the weather is constantly<br />

monitored and that we take appropriate action.<br />

We try to complete salting outside peak traffic periods and before freezing conditions occur.<br />

This becomes particularly challenging when rain, sleet or hail is forecast which can wash salt <strong>of</strong>f<br />

the roads.<br />

Which roads are salted?<br />

We carry out salting in a priority order in accordance with importance <strong>of</strong> the road. A map <strong>of</strong> the<br />

roads salted is available on the Councils website at<br />

http://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/index.jsp?articleid=16915 .<br />

The aim <strong>of</strong> the service is to salt a network such that road users have a relatively short distance<br />

to travel to get to a salted route. The <strong>Borough</strong> salts 8 pre-determined routes, which adds up to<br />

approximately 190 miles (307 km), or 46% <strong>of</strong> the adopted highway network which totals 413<br />

miles (667 km) <strong>of</strong> road.<br />

How does spreading salt help?<br />

Salt is the best material we have available to treat snow and ice, but it isn’t perfect. How it<br />

helps is by turning ice into salt water, which has a lower freezing point, and the melted water<br />

then drains away. Roads with more traffic clear quicker, even when they have had exactly the<br />

same treatment; tyres grind the salt thus helping the process<br />

However, if temperatures drop to minus six or below as happened during the 2010/11 winter the<br />

salt water itself freezes. When that happens, grit can be added to the salt to help break up the<br />

snow through the action <strong>of</strong> tyres on the snow.<br />

At the peak <strong>of</strong> last year’s wintry weather, <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Council were gritting four or five times a<br />

night, <strong>of</strong>ten while residents were asleep. This was giving us plenty <strong>of</strong> salt on the roads and<br />

helping keep the predetermined routes free <strong>of</strong> snow and ice and the traffic moving.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 9 <strong>of</strong> 29


Can I clear the snow outside my house?<br />

The Department for Transport has issued guidance around the legal issues for residents who<br />

want to clear snow and ice from outside their properties. In response to concerns from the<br />

public about being sued, the guidelines state:<br />

There is no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your<br />

property, pathways to your property or public spaces. If an accident did happen, it's highly<br />

unlikely that you would be sued as long as you are careful and use common sense to make<br />

sure that you don't make the pavement or pathway clearly more dangerous than before. People<br />

using areas affected by snow and ice also have responsibility to be careful themselves."<br />

Official Department for Transport tips and advice on clearing snow and ice<br />

“The Snow Code“:<br />

“Prevent slips<br />

Pay extra attention to clear snow and ice from steps and steep pathways - you might need to<br />

use more salt on these areas. If you clear snow and ice yourself, be careful - don’t make the<br />

pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put <strong>of</strong>f clearing paths<br />

because you’re afraid someone will get injured. Remember, people walking on snow and ice<br />

have responsibility to be careful themselves. Follow the advice below to make sure you clear<br />

the pathway safely and effectively.<br />

Clear the snow or ice early in the day<br />

It’s easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from<br />

people walking on it. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you<br />

remove the top layer <strong>of</strong> snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice<br />

beneath. You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.<br />

Use salt or sand - not water<br />

If you use water to melt the snow, it may refreeze and turn to black ice. Black ice increases the<br />

risk <strong>of</strong> injuries as it is invisible and very slippery. You can prevent black ice by spreading some<br />

salt on the area you have cleared. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon<br />

for each square metre you clear should work. Don’t use the salt found in salting bins - this will<br />

be needed to keep the roads clear. Be careful not to spread salt on plants or grass as it may<br />

cause them damage. If you don’t have enough salt, you can also use sand or ash. These won’t<br />

stop the path icing over as well as salt, but will provide good grip under foot.<br />

Take care where you move the snow<br />

When you’re shovelling snow, take care where you put it so it doesn’t block people’s paths or<br />

drains. Make sure you make a path down the middle <strong>of</strong> the area to be cleared first, so you have<br />

a clear surface to walk on. Then shovel the snow from the centre <strong>of</strong> the path to the sides.<br />

Offer to clear your neighbours’ paths<br />

If your neighbour will have difficulty getting in and out <strong>of</strong> their home, <strong>of</strong>fer to clear snow and ice<br />

around their property as well. Check that any elderly or disabled neighbours are alright in the<br />

cold weather. If you’re worried about them, contact your local council.”<br />

To find more information about this, and to see the full version <strong>of</strong> this advice from the<br />

Department for Transport website http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_191868<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 10 <strong>of</strong> 29


How well did the borough council cope with last winter?<br />

<strong>Hillingdon</strong>'s <strong>of</strong>ficial winter service period started on 29 October 2010 and after a very hard<br />

winter which was the coldest on record ended on 1 April 2011. Over the winter there were:<br />

52 nights when road temperatures went below zero, with at least one salting run being carried<br />

out on each occasion. For days, when the borough was under snow, many salting runs took<br />

place in the middle <strong>of</strong> the night. The total cost for salting and clearing <strong>of</strong> the borough’s roads<br />

and pavements during the period was £359,795.<br />

What did <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Council do about the potholes in the roads caused by the severe<br />

10/11 winter weather?<br />

Last winter, the coldest weather conditions on record took a major toll on the country’s roads,<br />

pavements and cycleways. In <strong>Hillingdon</strong>, we have conducted a massive £2.4 m programme <strong>of</strong><br />

permanent pothole repairs in the spring to mend the roads as quickly as possible.<br />

Damage to the roads during wintry weather is caused by rain water and thawing snow seeping<br />

into small cracks in the road. As temperatures dip, the water freezes and expands, enlarging the<br />

cracks. This causes cracks and potholes to appear, overnight in some cases, even in roads that<br />

otherwise appear sound. Once the winter season is over, a full assessment <strong>of</strong> the road<br />

network’s condition is carried out, and our inspection and repair works are coordinated in order<br />

to return the highway to a safe condition as quickly as possible.<br />

Permanent repairs on main roads are then coordinated into larger programmes <strong>of</strong> repair work,<br />

which can take several months to complete.<br />

Does the Council have enough salt for this winter?<br />

Yes, we have sufficient supplies for normal winter conditions. However, if we do experience<br />

exceptional winter conditions, we may again be asked by the Department for Transport to<br />

reduce our salt usage and take such a decision in conjunction with other councils across<br />

<strong>London</strong>.<br />

How do I get my road added to the salting routes?<br />

The list has been reviewed since last year to maximise the efficiency <strong>of</strong> our salting operations<br />

and so the situation may have changed. A significant amount <strong>of</strong> work takes place each year to<br />

review the list taking into account our criteria. The list is approved each year by the Cabinet<br />

Member for Planning Transportation and Recycling.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 11 <strong>of</strong> 29


2. SUMMARY OF REVISIONS<br />

Changes From 2010/2011<br />

Each year the Winter Service Operational Plan is reviewed and updated accordingly to take<br />

account <strong>of</strong> changes that are needed to ensure that the Winter Service continues to operate in<br />

an efficient way. Since last year the following changes have been made to the Plan.<br />

• Total Plan: Volume 1 & Volume 2, Revised and Updated, April 2011.<br />

3.0 STATEMENT OF POLICIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES<br />

3.1 Policies And Objectives<br />

There are two pieces <strong>of</strong> legislation that relate to the provision <strong>of</strong> a Winter Service in England<br />

and Wales :<br />

1. Section 41 (1 A) <strong>of</strong> the Highways Act 1980, which was modified on 31st October 2003, by<br />

Section 111 <strong>of</strong> the Railways and Transport Act 2003. The first part <strong>of</strong> Section 41 now reads:<br />

"a) The authority who are for the time being the highway authority for a highway maintainable at<br />

the public expense are under a duty, subject to subsections (2) and (3) below, to maintain the<br />

highway.<br />

b) (1) In particular, a highway authority are under a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably<br />

practicable, that safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow or ice."<br />

This is not an absolute duty, given the qualification <strong>of</strong> "reasonable practicability" but it does<br />

effectively overturn previous legal precedence, although not retrospectively.<br />

2. Section 150 <strong>of</strong> the Highways Act 1980 still imposes a duty upon authorities to remove any<br />

obstruction <strong>of</strong> the highway resulting from "accumulation <strong>of</strong> snow or from the falling down <strong>of</strong><br />

banks on the side <strong>of</strong> the highway, or from any other cause ".<br />

Also, the Traffic Management Act 2004 placed a network management duty on all local traffic<br />

authorities in England . It requires authorities to do all that is reasonably practicable to manage<br />

the network effectively to keep traffic moving. In meeting the duty, authorities should establish<br />

contingency plans for dealing promptly and effectively with unplanned events, such as<br />

unforeseen weather conditions, as far as is reasonably practicable .<br />

The plan must also comply with the general duty imposed by Section 41 <strong>of</strong> the Highways Act<br />

1980: to maintain those highways maintainable at public expense in a safe condition.<br />

The <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong> therefore undertakes to provide a winter service which, as far<br />

as reasonably practical, will permit safe movement <strong>of</strong> traffic and minimise delays and accidents<br />

directly attributable to adverse weather conditions.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 12 <strong>of</strong> 29


The strategy adopted for the <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong> has been developed in<br />

accordance with the recommendations set within:<br />

• Well Maintained Highways - Code <strong>of</strong> Practice for Highway Maintenance Management,<br />

published in July 2005 and:<br />

• The guidelines detailed within the design and practice guide for highway winter<br />

maintenance published by ICE (Institution <strong>of</strong> Civil Engineers) in 2000.<br />

• The UKRLG <strong>Report</strong> 2009 and its recommendations. The Winter Resilience Interim<br />

Review.<br />

The Highways Responsive Maintenance Team (HRMT) coordinates and ensures the<br />

provision <strong>of</strong> winter maintenance services. This generally involves spreading rock salt onto the<br />

surface <strong>of</strong> roads and footways by the use <strong>of</strong> purpose-built vehicles and hand operated<br />

machines.<br />

3.2 Responsibilities<br />

The winter service is managed by the Street Environment Team, which is part <strong>of</strong> the Planning,<br />

Environment and Education Community Services Directorate. The service is delivered by the<br />

Winter Service Team (WST), who consist <strong>of</strong> Street Environment staff, Waste Management Staff<br />

and Fleet Management Staff<br />

3.2.1 The Street Environment team’s responsibilities:<br />

Before the Winter Season<br />

1. Plan a service to deal with an average winter but having the capability to be extended to<br />

handle more severe winters.<br />

2. Update the Winter Service Operational Plan each year following a review <strong>of</strong> all aspects.<br />

3. Maintain a list <strong>of</strong> pre-treatment salting routes for carriageways, footways, and cycleways for<br />

different winter weather conditions.<br />

4. Maintain a list <strong>of</strong> routes for post treatment during prolonged extreme or severe weather<br />

conditions ( The “Resilience Network”)<br />

5. Arrange for adequate weather forecasts during the winter period.<br />

6. Maintain a list <strong>of</strong> salt bins and their location. Maintain the level <strong>of</strong> salt within the salt bins.<br />

7. Procure and manage the stock <strong>of</strong> salt.<br />

8. Ensuring that all operatives are appropriately trained in winter service operations.<br />

9. Providing the Council with communication channels to enable immediate contact between<br />

the Winter Service Call Out Officer, WST and the Council’s emergency control room, and<br />

WST drivers, workshop operatives, shovel driver and fitter.<br />

10. Establishing a list <strong>of</strong> contractors with suitable plant for snow clearing purposes and hiring in<br />

such plant when necessary.<br />

11. Identify within the council and enlist skilled mechanical salting vehicle drivers, weighbridge<br />

operators, shovel drivers, supervisors, etc. adequate to manage and complete the winter<br />

service operations to the specification within the response times.<br />

12. Ensure temporary ice signs are located at the appropriate locations when conditions apply.<br />

During the Winter Season<br />

13. Contact with a meteorological weather forecaster for advice.<br />

14. Scrutinise the weather forecasts to assess the winter service required.<br />

15. Record and log in writing all decisions relating to the winter service.<br />

16. Determination <strong>of</strong> appropriate service specifying the start time <strong>of</strong> treatment, the route number<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 13 <strong>of</strong> 29


and the salt spread rate.<br />

17. Collection <strong>of</strong> data for performance measurement.<br />

18. Establish on the service completed such as weighbridge weights, response and treatment<br />

times.<br />

19. Monitor the salt usage and ensuring that new supplies are ordered and delivered to maintain<br />

an appropriate level <strong>of</strong> salt.<br />

20. To update the PEECS Senior Management Team, the Contact Centre and the Emergency<br />

Planning Team on road conditions during severe weather (snow or widespread ice) and<br />

ensure they are fully briefed and aware <strong>of</strong> the conditions.<br />

21. Provide accurate information to Fleet Management on plant condition, listing any<br />

mechanical faults, which would prevent satisfactory operation.<br />

3.2.2 Fleet Management’s Responsibilities:<br />

22. Provide and maintain vehicles adequate to carry out the salting <strong>of</strong> all routes within the<br />

specified response times.<br />

23. Provide the salt spreading equipment calibration test records (BS 1622) prior to the start <strong>of</strong><br />

the winter period.<br />

24. To ensure that workshop facilities and appropriate skilled personnel are available on 24-<br />

hour call-out during the winter period to repair and maintain vehicles and to deal with any<br />

mechanical breakdowns that may occur.<br />

3.3 Decision Making and Responsibilities<br />

Service is triggered by information from the Meteorological Office's <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong>s Winter<br />

Forecast Service (see Section 6.0)<br />

The Winter Service Call Out Officer has responsibility for ordering the service. During severe<br />

conditions he will confirm with the Senior Manager Street Environment the actions to be taken.<br />

The Winter Service Call Out Officer receives and assesses the weather forecast and should this<br />

forecast predict changeable or marginal conditions then clarification can be sought from the<br />

consultant forecaster. Often, a decision cannot be made from the main 11:00 forecast, due to<br />

the changeable or marginal conditions, and later forecasts will need to be assessed. Refer to<br />

Volume 2, Appendix 3 – ‘Weather Forecast and Decision Making Procedure’ and Appendix 5<br />

‘Daily Decision’ Standard Pr<strong>of</strong>orma that tabulates the actions and factors to be considered when<br />

making a decision.<br />

It may be necessary to carry out an inspection <strong>of</strong> the routes to confirm actual conditions. It is<br />

crucial to arrive at a decision, which does not compromise risk but does not lead to unnecessary<br />

salting.<br />

A ‘Daily Decision’ Standard Pro-forma is completed on a daily basis (see Appendix 5). The<br />

completion and circulation <strong>of</strong> the pro-forma should be by 15:30 hours. It may be that the<br />

‘Decision’ is to await a later weather forecast. Should this be the case the Winter Service Call<br />

Out Officer should update the ‘Daily Decision’ pro-forma the following morning.<br />

Details <strong>of</strong> the Routes and Priority Lists relating to the following treatments are detailed in<br />

Volume 2; Appendix 1, Northern Area and Appendix 2, Southern Area, with associated<br />

annexes.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 14 <strong>of</strong> 29


3.4 Salt Treatments<br />

Pre-treatment salting to selected carriageways would be carried out if the forecast indicates:<br />

• Bravo, Bravo/Charlie, Charlie, Charlie/Delta, Delta or Snow conditions<br />

• Alpha and Alpha/Bravo in some circumstances (e.g. wet spots).<br />

Post treatment salting to carriageways would be carried out when the conditions are:<br />

• Extreme and severe and predicted to last for a prolonged period.<br />

• Icy with formations on surfaces expected to remain after 08:00 hours.<br />

Selective post treatment salting to selected footways and cycleways will be carried out when the<br />

conditions are:<br />

• Extreme and severe and predicted to last for a prolonged period.<br />

• Where snow has been cleared and where conditions are extreme and severe and<br />

predicted to last for a prolonged period.<br />

• Where undisturbed snow accumulations are less than 30mm and where conditions are<br />

extreme and severe and predicted to last for a prolonged period.<br />

• Snow clearing will be programmed should the forecast indicate:<br />

• Extreme and severe weather conditions with settled snow deeper than 30mm and<br />

predicted to last for a prolonged period.<br />

3.5 Service Delivery<br />

The Winter Service Call Out Officer will ensure service provision as soon as the ‘Daily Decision’<br />

pro-forma, (Volume 2, Appendix 5) is completed. Should a decision not be made by 1600hrs<br />

then the Winter Service Call Out Officer will make his intentions known to the WST prior to this<br />

time, indicating the likelihood <strong>of</strong> the decision. This is to ensure good communications and is<br />

particularly important during severe weather conditions e.g. if snow has been predicted.<br />

Timing <strong>of</strong> service is critical; e.g., badly timed service can lead to salt being washed away prior to<br />

freezing temperatures. Once ice has formed it requires significant effort to remove it.<br />

Telephone calls (from the Police or members <strong>of</strong> the public) requesting immediate treatment to<br />

icy patches are <strong>of</strong>ten received out <strong>of</strong> hours. Each case needs to be considered separately.<br />

Should the Police inform <strong>of</strong> dangerous conditions then immediate action to order treatment from<br />

the Winter Service Call Out Officer is required.<br />

Other reports may require a site inspection Winter Service Call Out Officer should full service<br />

not have been called. When ‘Thames Water’ (TW) leaks are reported, then the Utility will be<br />

contacted and treatment carried out unless confirmation is received that either the problem has<br />

been solved or TW have put in place a salting regime themselves. The WST will recharge the<br />

costs involved directly to TW for implementing the salting regime on their behalf.<br />

3.6 Liaison arrangements with other authorities<br />

There will be an interchange <strong>of</strong> information with all authorities that border or pass through the<br />

<strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong>. The purpose for which is to ensure continuity <strong>of</strong> service. See<br />

Appendix 7 for a list <strong>of</strong> adjoining highway authorities and contacts.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 15 <strong>of</strong> 29


4.0 QUALITY<br />

4.1 Document control procedures<br />

All information collated and recorded during the winter maintenance period is filed in the Winter<br />

Service files held by the Responsive Maintenance Manager, (Mr Terry Kenealy). The Winter<br />

Service Operational Plan is held by the Responsive Maintenance Manager, The Street<br />

Environment Manager (Mr James Birch) and the Highway Inspection Manager (Mr John<br />

Fern).The following information will be held:<br />

1. Copy <strong>of</strong> the <strong>London</strong> Weather Centre Forecasts.<br />

2. Notes on discussions with the consultant forecaster during normal and out <strong>of</strong> hours periods.<br />

3. The ‘Daily Decision’ pro-forma.<br />

4. Copy <strong>of</strong> orders requesting service.<br />

5. WST service returns recording the route number, vehicle registration number, drivers name,<br />

date, start kilometres, finish kilometres, start time <strong>of</strong> mobilisation, start time <strong>of</strong> treatment,<br />

finish time <strong>of</strong> treatment, vehicle weights in and out, (loaded and unloaded), weight <strong>of</strong> surplus<br />

salt, weighbridge times and any vehicle/plant faults.<br />

4.2 Circulation <strong>of</strong> documents<br />

The Winter Service Operational Plan is issued on the <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong> website<br />

www.hillingdon.gov.uk and Intranet. Interested stakeholders will be informed that the Winter<br />

Service Operational Plan is available on the website.<br />

4.3 Information recording and analysis<br />

The Street Environment Manager is to ensure that a Winter Service Operational Plan is<br />

produced compiling the following procedures and checks:<br />

Preparing for winter<br />

1. Checking all <strong>of</strong> the routes to ensure that they remain appropriate<br />

2. Receiving from the Fleet Management the calibration results for salt spreading equipment<br />

and assessing its accuracy.<br />

3. Receiving from the WST stand-by duty rotas and checking against the specification<br />

requirements.<br />

4. Receiving certification from a recognised Vehicle Plant Authority that all vehicles, plant and<br />

equipment are fit to perform the Services.<br />

5. Checking that the training <strong>of</strong> operatives is adequate<br />

6. Checking that an appropriate supply <strong>of</strong> salt is ordered.<br />

7. Checking that salt bins are serviceable and filled with an appropriate amount <strong>of</strong> salt.<br />

8. Setting up and ordering weather forecasting service.<br />

Action during winter<br />

1. The decision making process.<br />

2. Weather forecasts.<br />

3. Response times and distribution <strong>of</strong> salt spreading.<br />

4. Monitoring the WST performance.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 16 <strong>of</strong> 29


4.4 Arrangements for performance monitoring, audit and updating.<br />

The Highways Inspection Manager will provide sufficient supervision in order to check the<br />

performance <strong>of</strong> the WST winter weather service. This performance will be checked against the<br />

specifications. Regular reports are to be submitted and issues <strong>of</strong> concern raised at the<br />

Highways Inspection Manager/ HRMT meeting.<br />

The Highways Inspection manager will be satisfied that:<br />

1. Service is within the specified periods for response and treatment.<br />

2. All roads within routes have been treated.<br />

3. The specified spread rate has been adhered to.<br />

4. The WST equipment is in good working order.<br />

5. The weighbridge procedure ensures that each ticket specifies weight in, weight out, salt<br />

used, time in and time out. A ticket will be available for every operation and vehicle.<br />

6. Salt reserves are monitored and replenished as appropriate.<br />

7. Salt spreading vehicles spread rates are checked during operation by inspection <strong>of</strong> the<br />

vehicles during service.<br />

8. Salt quality and effectiveness <strong>of</strong> storage facilities are checked at regular intervals.<br />

Contamination <strong>of</strong> salt is checked.<br />

9. The following local key performance measures will be compared:<br />

10. Percentage <strong>of</strong> total network (carriageways) included on pre-treatment salting routes.<br />

o Route optimisation – length <strong>of</strong> route travelled over length salted.<br />

o Percentage <strong>of</strong> routes completed within three hours.<br />

o Actual winter maintenance expenditure per kilometre <strong>of</strong> carriageway.<br />

o The optimum weight <strong>of</strong> salt used per pre-treatment route at a spread rate <strong>of</strong> 10g/m2.<br />

o The percentage <strong>of</strong> salt bins provided on main footways (not a footway priority-salting<br />

route) where the gradient is steeper than 1 in 12.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 17 <strong>of</strong> 29


5.0 ROUTE PLANNING FOR CARRIAGEWAYS, FOOTWAYS AND CYCLE ROUTES<br />

5.1 Carriageway routes for pre-treatment<br />

The main criteria used in drawing up the predetermined routes were to maintain:<br />

• Links to the national road network, industry, commercial and business centres.<br />

• Maintain public transport and access by emergency services.<br />

• Journeys to and from work.<br />

When the road surface temperatures are expected to fall below 0 o C and Roads are expected to<br />

remain generally dry, “Blackspots” are treated. “Blackspots” are hills, junctions and known<br />

areas where it is known that frost or ice is likely to form locally (see Appendices 1A and 2A for<br />

location lists)<br />

When the road surface temperatures are expected to fall below 0 o C and Icy frost is expected to<br />

form, Priority Routes are treated - routes <strong>of</strong> primary importance which tend to be “A“ roads<br />

and “B“ roads (see Appendices 1A and 2A for location lists).There are 8 Priority routes made up<br />

<strong>of</strong> 16 sections.<br />

When the road surface temperatures are expected to fall below 0 o C and Icy patches or<br />

widespread ice is expected to form, or snow is expected: Priority and Secondary routes are<br />

treated. They include all roads which fall under the criterion used to draw up the predetermined<br />

routes and include all bus routes. (see Appendices 1A and 2A for location lists) There are 8<br />

Secondary routes made up <strong>of</strong> 12 sections<br />

The routes have some flexibility and the Street Environment Manager will inform the WST <strong>of</strong><br />

additions that he requires as a result <strong>of</strong> reports <strong>of</strong> water main leaks etc., received during the<br />

day.<br />

No footways, pedestrian precincts or cycle ways are specifically included in pre-determined<br />

routes for precautionary salting. Nevertheless, there will be a certain amount <strong>of</strong> over spill <strong>of</strong> salt<br />

onto footways and cycle ways when precautionary salting is being carried out on adjacent<br />

carriageways.<br />

The Street Environment Manager will update the routes as necessary due to new constraints<br />

imposed on access through, e.g. traffic calming measures or parking problems. Any<br />

amendments will be provided to the WST as soon as possible.<br />

<strong>Report</strong>s <strong>of</strong> wet areas due to the Statutory Utilities operations or plant, or from Contractor's sites<br />

on the public highway will be treated until written confirmation is received that either the problem<br />

has been solved or they have put in place a salting regime themselves. The WST will recharge<br />

the costs involved in treating these on their behalf.<br />

5.2 Carriageway routes for post-treatment<br />

The primary and secondary salting routes identified above as pre-treatment routes may be<br />

ordered for post treatment as conditions dictate.<br />

<strong>Report</strong>s <strong>of</strong> Ice on the Public Highway Information from the police or emergency services will be<br />

actioned in line with the priorities as described in this plan. Clarifications should be sought as to<br />

whether it's one specific site or a general area and to the cause <strong>of</strong> the slipperiness. For example<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 18 <strong>of</strong> 29


it could be either a diesel spill or a result <strong>of</strong> salt in solution<br />

Post salting will only be considered on minor roads not included in the pre-determined routes in<br />

response to a specific report that a particular road is in an icy condition and then only after it has<br />

been inspected to confirm that treatment is necessary.<br />

Minor roads will not be treated with salt until after the pre-determined routes have been<br />

sufficiently treated to ensure that they remain open to traffic at all times. These roads will then<br />

be treated on a hierarchical basis <strong>of</strong> importance and in response to specific requests from the<br />

Police, public etc.<br />

No action will be taken to treat ice on private roads (i.e. where there are no public right <strong>of</strong><br />

highway rights) unless specific arrangements are in place.<br />

5.3 Ad hoc post-treatment<br />

The Highways 24/7 Emergency Call Out team is available with full access to the gritting<br />

vehicles. Should it ever be necessary, this team can call out the Winter Service Team if this<br />

action is required by road conditions.<br />

5.4 Snow Clearance<br />

The decision to move to the snow clearance operation shall be made by the Winter Service Call<br />

Out Officer, following consultation with the Street Environment Manager.<br />

Snow fall <strong>of</strong> less than 30mm will not normally require any further action than precautionary<br />

salting unless prolonged sub-zero temperatures are forecast.<br />

For snow falls in excess <strong>of</strong> 30mm or when drifting occurs, post salting and ploughing will take<br />

place on Priority and Secondary routes as soon as is practicable. In the most severe cases it<br />

may be necessary to deploy all available resource to maintain free flow on the major routes and<br />

minimise unsafe conditions.<br />

5.5 Routes for footway treatment.<br />

Footways will only be treated once snow has settled or during periods <strong>of</strong> prolonged freezing<br />

conditions on a priority basis at locations including (See Annex B to Appendices 1 & 2):<br />

• Town Centres<br />

• Hospitals<br />

• Old Peoples Homes<br />

• Day Centres<br />

• Schools (during term times only)<br />

• Footbridges<br />

• Bus Stops<br />

Secondary footway treatment will be carried out once Priority footways have been treated (See<br />

Annex B to Appendices 1 & 2). If any reports <strong>of</strong> icy footways are received for locations not<br />

included in on the Priority or Secondary listings, the footway will be inspected to assess<br />

whether it should be treated or not.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 19 <strong>of</strong> 29


The street-cleaning workforce are employed on snow treatment when conditions dictate and<br />

routine street cleansing is then suspended. The workforce will be provided with snow shovels<br />

and hand propelled salt spreaders. The Street Environment Manager, with the Director <strong>of</strong><br />

Planning, Environment Education and Community Services, will decide on whether additional<br />

resources are required to supplement those already available.<br />

5.6 Routes for cycle way/footpath and bridge treatment.<br />

A review <strong>of</strong> cycleway treatment has taken place and the on-carriageway cycleway network<br />

within the primary and secondary routes will be treated when the gritting <strong>of</strong> these routes is done.<br />

The remainder <strong>of</strong> the cycleway network will be treated on a priority basis depending on level <strong>of</strong><br />

use, surface type, gradient and the severity <strong>of</strong> conditions and predicted duration <strong>of</strong> extreme<br />

weather when resources allow.<br />

5.7 Response and treatment times for carriageway and footway treatments<br />

For post treatment to footways by the street cleansing service the response and treatment times<br />

will vary. This work will be carried out during normal working hours and the gangs will be<br />

provided targets for the completion <strong>of</strong> individual tasks. The response times for treatments during<br />

severe weather will depend on the availability <strong>of</strong> resources.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 20 <strong>of</strong> 29


5.8 Standard Labour Force Working/Gritting Cyclic Schedule<br />

All resources will follow the Working Time Regulations with the drivers following the following<br />

shift rota:<br />

Hours Item Comment<br />

0500 - 0730 Gritting<br />

0730 - 1500 Standard Working<br />

Day<br />

1500 - 1900 Stand Down<br />

1900 - 2130 Gritting<br />

2130 - 0500 Stand Down<br />

0500 - 0730 Gritting<br />

0730 – 1330<br />

(1500)<br />

Standard Working<br />

Day<br />

1330 - 1900 Stand Down<br />

1900 - 2130 Gritting<br />

2130 - 0500 Stand Down<br />

0500 - 0730 Gritting<br />

0730 - 1500 Standard Working<br />

Day<br />

1500 - 1900 Stand Down<br />

1900 - 2130 Gritting<br />

2130 - 0500 Stand Down<br />

0500 - 0730 Gritting<br />

0730 – 1330<br />

(1500)<br />

Standard Working<br />

Day<br />

1330 - 1900 Stand Down<br />

1900 - 2130 Gritting<br />

2130 - 0500 Stand Down<br />

Please note that the Standard Working Day finishes at 1500hrs if<br />

evening gritting is not required.<br />

Please note that the Standard Working Day finishes at 1500hrs if<br />

evening gritting is not required.<br />

Note: Due to the dynamic nature <strong>of</strong> weather systems it is on occasion necessary to<br />

deviate from the Standard Labour Force Working/Gritting Cyclic Schedule. This is<br />

particularly relevant when the weather systems have the potential to create emergency<br />

situations.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 21 <strong>of</strong> 29


5.9 Location and maintenance <strong>of</strong> salt bins and Salt Stores<br />

Salt storage bins are located on the public highway at a number <strong>of</strong> potential problem locations<br />

within the <strong>Borough</strong>. They are generally not sited on the salting routes and are provided for<br />

public use. A list <strong>of</strong> these is shown in Volume 2, Appendices 1 & 2, Annexes C.<br />

The Street Environment Manager will order the HRMT to inspect <strong>of</strong> all salt bins prior to the<br />

winter season and report on their condition. He will order the HRMT to remove litter and<br />

contaminated salt and to refill them. Following severe conditions the salt bins will be rechecked<br />

and refilled. The Street Environment Manager will consider requests for new bins where the<br />

following criterion is met:<br />

• Salt bins will only be considered on roads with a footway on a steep incline (with a<br />

gradient greater than 1 in 25).<br />

• A salt bin shall not obstruct the passage <strong>of</strong> pedestrians.<br />

• A salt bin will not be provided for use in private areas.<br />

• Salt bins for public use will not be provided on a priority footway salting route.<br />

• A salt bin will not be provided within 50 metres <strong>of</strong> another salt bin.<br />

• A salt bin will not be positioned outside an resident’s house without their agreement.<br />

Final decision on the location <strong>of</strong> Salt bins will be taken by the Cabinet Member for Planning ,<br />

Transportation and Recycling.<br />

5.10 Resilience Network<br />

The Resilience Network is the minimum road network within the borough that will be gritted in<br />

an emergency situation. The Resilience Network will be authorised by the Director <strong>of</strong> the Group<br />

and may follow recommendation from the Local Government Association when they believe it is<br />

required to keep <strong>London</strong> moving. When adopted the Priority & Secondary Carriageway routes<br />

together with the Priority and Secondary footways will be maintained where possible but no ‘<strong>of</strong>froute’<br />

gritting will take place unless ordered by the Group Director<br />

The Resilience Network may be adopted in the following circumstances: -<br />

• Shortage <strong>of</strong> salt stocks<br />

• Prolonged severe weather forecasts where salt stocks could be compromised<br />

• Other situations where the adoption is required to maintain a satisfactory level <strong>of</strong> Service<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 22 <strong>of</strong> 29


6 WEATHER PREDICTION AND INFORMATION<br />

6.1 Forecasting, inspections and other decision support information<br />

<strong>Hillingdon</strong> subscribes to the Meteorological Office's <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong>s Winter Forecast Service<br />

which provides a four-times daily email & answer phone forecast service, a five-day forecast<br />

service and direct contact with a weather forecaster. This supports the ‘Decision Making’<br />

process and details <strong>of</strong> the service are contained in Volume 1, Appendix 3.3 and Volume 2,<br />

Appendix 3. <strong>Hillingdon</strong> falls within the Climatic Domains Map and weather patterns for these<br />

areas are detailed in Volume 2, Appendix 4.<br />

6.2 Information to be provided<br />

The information provided by the forecast is as detailed in Volume 2, Appendices 3 and 4.<br />

6.3 Timing and circulation <strong>of</strong> information<br />

The main forecast is at 11:00 hrs with updates at 17:00 hrs, 23:00hrs and 03:00 hrs.<br />

The circulation list for the forecast emails should include those included on the Winter Service<br />

Call Out Officer rota, the Street Environment Manager and a representative <strong>of</strong> the Emergency<br />

Planning Team. Five day forecasts shall be forwarded by the Street Environment Manager to<br />

the Group Director.<br />

6.4 <strong>Report</strong>ing procedure<br />

During extreme, severe and snow conditions a Council ‘daily bulletin’ may be issued to provide<br />

information and guidance via All Staff Emails, the Council website and the Intranet. This will be<br />

carried out in conjunction with the Emergency Planning Team and the Corporate<br />

Communications team and at the request <strong>of</strong> the Group Director.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 23 <strong>of</strong> 29


7 ORGANISATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS AND PERSONNEL<br />

7.1 Organisational chart and employee responsibilities<br />

The Winter Service hierarchy for the <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong> is<br />

• Corporate Director Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services<br />

• Head <strong>of</strong> Highways, Transportation, Planning Policy<br />

• Senior manager Street Environment<br />

• Highways Inspection Manager<br />

• Winter Service Call Out Officers (4No)<br />

7.2 Employee duty schedules, rotas and standby arrangements<br />

The Street Environment Team shall draw up employee duty schedules, rotas and standby<br />

arrangements at least two weeks before the start <strong>of</strong> the winter period.<br />

7.3 Plant and vehicle manning arrangements<br />

The Street Environment Team will ensure that adequate manning and standby requirements are<br />

in place to carry out the service to the specification.<br />

7.4 Training and development arrangements<br />

The Street Environment Team shall ensure that all drivers <strong>of</strong> the Salt Spreading Vehicles shall<br />

have received proper training and instruction in the safe and efficient operation <strong>of</strong> the vehicles<br />

and their equipment. All drivers shall be qualified in accordance with the ‘Winter Maintenance<br />

Operatives Assessment Scheme 6157’. Operators <strong>of</strong> loading shovels shall hold a Certificate <strong>of</strong><br />

Training Achievement issued by the Construction Industry Training Board, or equivalent. In<br />

addition, all LBH operatives are qualified to City & Guilds 6159.<br />

7.5 Health and safety procedures<br />

The Street Environment Team will provide risk and COSHH assessments for materials and for<br />

operations and explain the significance <strong>of</strong> these to all operatives. Appropriate PPE equipment<br />

will be issued prior to the start <strong>of</strong> the winter season.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 24 <strong>of</strong> 29


8 PLANT, VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT<br />

8.1 Fleet inventory including license requirements and capacity.<br />

Prior to the commencement <strong>of</strong> the winter period the Fleet Service Manager will supply the<br />

HRMT a detailed fleet inventory with corresponding license requirements for inspection.<br />

The vehicles/plant provided is as follows:<br />

• 4 No Whale Iveco 12 Tonne Gritters, which carry 4.5 Tonnes <strong>of</strong> Salt.<br />

• 2 No 4x4 Whale Iveco 12 Tonne Gritters, which carry 4.5 Tonnes <strong>of</strong> Salt.<br />

• 2 No (Hired) Daf 18 Tonne Gritters, which carry 7.5 Tonnes <strong>of</strong> Salt.<br />

• 1 No 1 Tonne Econ purpose built spreader on a 4 tonne Daewoo Vehicle.<br />

• 2 No Loading Shovels.<br />

• 6 No 4 Tonne Daewoo Vehicles.<br />

• 6 No Glasdon Cruiser Turbocast 300 Manual Gritting Machines.<br />

8.2 Location <strong>of</strong> plant, vehicles and other equipment<br />

The WST will operate from the Harlington Road Depot at <strong>Hillingdon</strong> where the vehicles and<br />

plant will be stored and maintained. In an emergency the WST may operate out <strong>of</strong> New Years<br />

Green Lane Civic Amenity site, however salt stocks would have to be relocated there.<br />

8.3 Garaging, servicing and maintenance arrangements<br />

The vehicles shall be stored and maintained in an efficient and workable condition to ensure<br />

reliable starting and use/performance.<br />

8.4 Calibration procedures<br />

The calibration <strong>of</strong> the salt spreading equipment shall be in accordance with BS 1622.<br />

Calibration test record sheets will be provided to prior to Street Environment Team by Fleet<br />

management before the start <strong>of</strong> the winter service season.<br />

8.5 Fuel stocks and locations<br />

The Fleet Management shall demonstrate to the HRMT that they have access to a guaranteed<br />

supply <strong>of</strong> fuel for vehicles, which will be maintained and available during prolonged periods <strong>of</strong><br />

severe weather and during night salting periods.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 25 <strong>of</strong> 29


9 SALT AND DE–ICING MATERIALS<br />

9.1 Location and capacity <strong>of</strong> stocks for salt and other materials<br />

The HRMT site <strong>of</strong> operations is at Harlington Depot, Uxbridge. They shall maintain a stockpile<br />

<strong>of</strong> salt for use during the Winter Service Period. This stockpile will vary in size during the<br />

Service Period but shall be available and accessible at all times for delivery or<br />

loading/collection.<br />

The minimum stockpile at the beginning <strong>of</strong> the Winter Service Period will be as follows:<br />

Low period – November & March - 1750 tonnes<br />

High period - December January & February- 3500 tonnes<br />

For the purposes <strong>of</strong> stock control a mean density <strong>of</strong> 1.3 tonnes /m 2 will be used.<br />

A store <strong>of</strong> bagged salt will also be kept at Harlington Road Depot for sale to schools and other<br />

such establishments. The minimum stockpile at the beginning <strong>of</strong> the Winter Service Period will<br />

be 1000 bags<br />

9.2 Supply and testing arrangements<br />

The salt that is used on highways during winter is a naturally occurring rock salt, and shall be to<br />

the requirements <strong>of</strong> BS 3247 ‘Salt for Spreading – Coarse Rock Salt’ (6mm particle size). It<br />

shall be stored under cover where possible, to stabilise moisture contents, within the councils<br />

premises.<br />

9.3 Delivery arrangements<br />

The HRMT shall provide the necessary mechanical loading shovel, other plant and labour to <strong>of</strong>f<br />

load and stack the salt. Major restocking will normally take place outside the Winter Service<br />

period but may be at any time.<br />

9.4 Treatment requirements including spread rates<br />

The variable nature <strong>of</strong> winter conditions makes it difficult to define exact treatments and salt<br />

applications. Guidance on appropriate spread rates is given in Appendix 3: It is to be noted that<br />

below -11 degrees C rock salt treatment is ineffective.<br />

9.5 Contacts and purchasing arrangements for supplies<br />

The HRMT will ensure that stocks are monitored and are renewed to the required resilience<br />

levels. The HRMT can purchase rock salt from:<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 26 <strong>of</strong> 29


Cleveland Potash Ltd<br />

Boulby Mine<br />

L<strong>of</strong>tus<br />

Saltburn by the Sea<br />

Cleveland<br />

TS13 4UZ<br />

Contact Name: Jan Hunton, National<br />

Sales Manager<br />

Tel.No: 01287 640140 Fax: 01287<br />

640934<br />

Email: enquiries@clevelandpotash.co.uk<br />

www.clevelandpotash.co.uk<br />

Salt Union Ltd<br />

Astbury House<br />

Bradford Road<br />

Winsford<br />

Cheshire<br />

CW7 2PA<br />

Contact Name: National Sales Manager<br />

Tel.No: 01606 59653-0 Fax: 01606<br />

596531<br />

Email: enquiries@clevelandpotash.co.uk<br />

www.saltunion.com<br />

10.0 Treatment Methods<br />

10.1 Precautionary Salting<br />

The target is to pre-salt the precautionary network before ice forms or snow settles on the road.<br />

Essentially it is planned as a result <strong>of</strong> weather forecasts to pre-set spread rates following the<br />

Decision and Treatment matrices in Appendix 3.<br />

When continuous snow is forecast every effort will be made to ensure enough salt is applied to<br />

melt the initial snowfall and to provide a wet surface.<br />

10.2 Snow Clearance<br />

Snow ploughing shall be undertaken as soon as snow depths exceed 30mm and combined with<br />

successive salt spreading.<br />

Light snowfalls may call for ploughing where local drifting has occurred, or to remove snow not<br />

dispersed by traffic, for instance where traffic is reluctant to use outer lanes <strong>of</strong> dual<br />

carriageways, or at night when traffic is light.<br />

If snow depths reach 120mm, or when tackling drifts or when working on gradients, ploughing<br />

may be undertaken without salting as the weight <strong>of</strong> the load may aid vehicle traction. As soon<br />

as the situation is under control spreading will be resumed.<br />

Where heavy or prolonged snowfalls accumulate on well-used (“Priority“ - see section 5.5)<br />

footways , arrangements will be made to clear a route for pedestrians as soon as practical. If<br />

freezing conditions persist, footways cleared <strong>of</strong> snow should be given a light salting to melt the<br />

ice.<br />

Clearance <strong>of</strong> snow from less heavily used (“Secondary”) footways will depend upon the<br />

anticipated duration <strong>of</strong> freezing conditions. Provided the more heavily used footways have been<br />

cleared and freezing conditions are expected to persist, then these footways may be cleared as<br />

well.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 27 <strong>of</strong> 29


11 OPERATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS<br />

11.1 Technical systems information<br />

It is important that good communications are maintained during the winter period to ensure that<br />

the response to poor conditions is effective and immediate.<br />

At all times the HRMT supervisor should be available by mobile phone. The HRMT shall ensure<br />

that two-way communication is maintained with all the Winter Service Vehicles. Contact<br />

between vehicle operators and the HRMT Supervisors is to be maintained at all times during<br />

winter service operations, so that salting progress can be monitored and to provide a rapid and<br />

efficient response in emergency situations.<br />

During normal working hours the Street Environment Manager or his deputy will be available via<br />

the Council’s Contact Centre or by his mobile phone if they are away from the <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />

The Winter Service Call Out Officer has responsibility for ordering service and is available<br />

through a mobile phone service. During times when service has been ordered he will be<br />

available to the HRMT supervisor by mobile phone.<br />

During severe periods <strong>of</strong> weather (snow and widespread ice) problem areas may be notified by<br />

phone calls received from the Police and members <strong>of</strong> the public via the Contact Centre. They<br />

will act as a liaison to the Responsive Maintenance Manager and log these calls along with<br />

reports from patrols on site.<br />

11.2 <strong>Report</strong>ing arrangements and protocols<br />

The ‘Daily Decision’ pro-forma will be circulated to the following:<br />

1. Street Environment Manager<br />

2. Highways Inspection Manager.<br />

3. Winter Maintenance HRMT.<br />

4. MouchelParkman Stewardship for Transport for <strong>London</strong> Roads TfL.<br />

5. Surrey County Council.<br />

6. Hertfordshire County Council.<br />

7. Buckinghamshire County Council.<br />

8. <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> Harrow.<br />

9. <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> Hounslow.<br />

10. <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> Ealing.<br />

Contact details are included in Vol 2, App 7.<br />

The ‘Daily Decision’ pr<strong>of</strong>orma’ confirms the action that has been taken. A Winter service notice<br />

board is set up to display the current winter service information. Call Centre/Customer Care and<br />

other staff will be able to keep abreast <strong>of</strong> the latest information.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 28 <strong>of</strong> 29


12 INFORMATION AND PUBLICITY<br />

12.1 Local press and broadcast contact information<br />

During extreme, severe and snow conditions a Council ‘daily bulletin’ may be issued to provide<br />

information and guidance via All Staff Emails, the Council website and the Intranet. This will be<br />

carried out in conjunction with the Emergency Planning Team and the Corporate<br />

Communications team and at the request <strong>of</strong> the Group Director.<br />

12.2 Responsibilities and guidance for providing information<br />

It is the responsibility <strong>of</strong> the Group Director PEECS to provide information on winter service<br />

matters. Information will be developed as appropriate for publication on the council website.<br />

Winter Service Operational Plan Vol 1 29 <strong>of</strong> 29


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

0BWINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

FOR PUBLIC HIGHWAYS WITHIN THE<br />

LONDON BOROUGH OF HILLINGDON<br />

2011/2012<br />

(28 th October 2011 to 30 th March 2012<br />

1BVOLUME 2<br />

2BAppendices & Annexes<br />

1


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

Contents<br />

Appendices Annex Page<br />

1 108BNorthern Area 3<br />

A Salting Routes and Winter Operational Service. 4<br />

Revisions to salting routes. 5<br />

Route Location <strong>of</strong> Hospitals, Railway Stations, Day<br />

Centres, Residential Care Homes, Clinics, Medical<br />

6<br />

Centres, Military Infrastructure, Airfields, etc.<br />

Carriageway Treatment – Hills/Junctions/Known Blackspots. 8<br />

Priority Gritting Routes. 9<br />

Secondary Gritting Routes. 16<br />

Small Salt Vehicle Spreading Routes. 21<br />

B Footways - Priority and Secondary Footway Treatment. 22<br />

C Salt Bin Locations. 25<br />

D Ice Sign Locations. 26<br />

2 109BSouthern Area 27<br />

A Salting Routes and Winter Operational Service. 28<br />

Revisions to salting routes. 29<br />

Route Location <strong>of</strong> Hospitals, Railway Stations, Day<br />

Centres, Residential Care Homes, Clinics, Medical<br />

30<br />

Centres, Military Infrastructure, Airfields, etc.<br />

Carriageway Treatment – Hills/Junctions/Known<br />

Blackspots.<br />

32<br />

Priority Gritting Routes. 33<br />

Secondary Gritting Routes. 41<br />

Small Salt Vehicle Spreading Routes. 47<br />

B Priority and Secondary Footway Treatment. 48<br />

C Salt Bin Locations. 51<br />

D Ice Sign Locations. 52<br />

3 Weather Forecasting and Decision Making Procedure. 53<br />

4 Climatic Domains Map 56<br />

5 ‘Daily Decision’ – Standard Pr<strong>of</strong>orma. 60<br />

6 Winter Service Daily Operational & Defect <strong>Report</strong> 61<br />

7 Highway ‘Out <strong>of</strong> Hours’ Duty Engineer Rota. 62<br />

8 Adjoining Highway Authorities and Contacts. 63<br />

9 Weather Terminology. 65<br />

10 Self Care - Guidelines For Highway Users During Winter. 71<br />

11 Salt Bins - Guidelines For Their Use. 73<br />

12 Changes in Winter Service Operational Plan. 74<br />

2


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

17BAPPENDIX 1<br />

Salting Routes and Winter Operational Service<br />

AREA NORTH OF A40<br />

3


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

Salting Routes and Winter Operational Service<br />

The following list covers the full range <strong>of</strong> planned salting routes within the <strong>London</strong><br />

<strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong> with priority and secondary routes.<br />

18BNORTHERN AREA<br />

1. CARRIAGEWAY PRIORITY ROUTES<br />

Route Section Type Vehicle<br />

1 1N,2N Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

2 3N,4N,5N Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

3 6N,7N Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

8 13N Carriageway Route Small salt spreading vehicle<br />

2. CARRIAGEWAY SECONDARY ROUTES<br />

Route Section Type Vehicle<br />

1 8N,9N Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

2 11N Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

3 10N,12N Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

4


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

3BRevisions to Salting Routes included for 2011/2012<br />

19BNORTHERN AREA<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

Route Section Additions Deletions<br />

2 3N Springwell La (to Cripps Farm).<br />

2 4N Warren Rd.<br />

2 5N Freezeland Way, Warren Rd.<br />

3 10N<br />

2 11N<br />

Pamela Gdns, St Lawrence Dr,<br />

Rodney Gdns, Burwood Ave (pt).<br />

Field Way, Heathfield Rise, Manor<br />

Rd,<br />

The Oaks, Court Rd, Burnham Ave,<br />

Sussex Rd (pt).<br />

5


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

Carriageway Treatments<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

Route Location <strong>of</strong> Hospitals, Railway Stations, Day Centres, Residential Care<br />

Homes, Clinics, Medical Centres, Military Infrastructure, Airfields, etc.<br />

The following is a list <strong>of</strong> hospitals, railway stations, day centres, residential homes,<br />

clinics, medical centres, etc, within the borough.<br />

Type Facility/Centre Road Name Ward Route Section Hierarchy<br />

RS Northwood. Station Approach South Ruislip 1 1N Priority<br />

RS Northwood Hill. Joel Street Nthwd Hills 1 2N Priority<br />

RS West Ruislip High Road Eastcote 2 5N Priority<br />

RS Ruislip Gardens. West End Road Manor 3 6N Priority<br />

RS South Ruislip Station Approach South Ruislip 3 6N,12N Priority/Secondary<br />

RS Ruislip High Street Manor 3 6N Priority<br />

RS Ruislip Manor Victoria Road Manor 3 7N Priority<br />

RS Eastcote Field End Road Eastcote 1 2N Priority<br />

RS Ickenham Glebe Avenue Ickenham 2 11N Secondary<br />

RS <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Long Lane Hill East 2 5N Priority<br />

MOD RAF Northolt West End Road South Ruislip 3 6N Priority<br />

H Mt Vernon Hospital<br />

Rickmansworth<br />

Road<br />

Northwood 1 1N Priority<br />

H Pinner Road Hospital Pinner Road Nthwd Hills 1 1N Priority<br />

H Bishop’s Wood BMI Hospital<br />

Rickmansworth<br />

Road<br />

Northwood 1 1N Priority<br />

H Harefield Hospital Hill End Road Harefield 2 3N Priority<br />

RCH Coppermill Care Complex Summerhouse Lane Harefield No route<br />

RCH The Harefield Nursing Centre Hill End Road Harefield 2 3N Priority<br />

RCH Cedar House High Street Harefield 2 4N Priority<br />

RCH Denville Hall Ducks Hill Road Northwood 1 1N Priority<br />

RCH Mountview<br />

Rickmansworth<br />

Road<br />

Northwood 1 1N Priority<br />

RCH Eastbury Nursing Home Eastbury Road Northwood 1 8N Secondary<br />

RCH Frithwood Nursing Home Frithwood Avenue Northwood 1 8N Secondary<br />

RCH Eastbury Nursing Home Eastbury Road Northwood 1 8N Secondary<br />

RCH Hallowell House Hallowell Road Northwood 1 8N Secondary<br />

RCH Briarwood Drive Briarwood Drive Nthwd Hills No route<br />

RCH St Vincents Nursing Home Wiltshire Lane Eastcote 1 9N Secondary<br />

RCH Sunningdale House Sunningdale Ave Eastcote No route<br />

RCH<br />

Whitby Dean Residential<br />

Home<br />

Whitby Road Cavendish 1 9N Secondary<br />

RCH Northview Northview Eastcote 3 7N Secondary<br />

RCH The Boyne Park Way Manor 3 7N Secondary<br />

RCH Brachenbridge House Brackenhill South Rruislip 1 7N Secondary<br />

RCH Ruislip Nursing Home West End Road South Ruislip 3 6N Priority<br />

RCH Poplars Ickenham Road W Ruislip 2 5N Priority<br />

RCH The Fairways Ickenham Road W Ruislip 2 5N Priority<br />

RCH Blenheim Care Centre Ickenham Road W Ruislip 2 5N Priority<br />

RCH Charles Curran House Boniface Road Ickenham No route<br />

RCH Woodlands Long Lane Ickenham 2 5N Priority<br />

RCH Bourne Lodge Bourne Court South Ruislip No route<br />

HC & GP Harefield Health Centre<br />

Rickmansworth<br />

Road<br />

Harefield 2 3N Priority<br />

HC & GP Northwood Health Centre Acre Way Northwood No route<br />

HC & GP Northwood Doctors Surgery Eastbury Road Northwood 1 8N Secondary<br />

HC & GP<br />

Northwood Consulting<br />

Rooms<br />

Greenhill Court Northwood No route<br />

HC & GP Eastcote Health Centre<br />

Abbotsbury<br />

Gardens<br />

Eastcote No route<br />

HC & GP St Martin’s Medical Centre Eastcote Road Eastcote 1 2N Priority<br />

HC & GP Ladygate Lane Surgery Ladygate Lane W Ruislip 3 10N Secondary<br />

6


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

HC & GP Southcote Clinic Southcote Rise W Ruislip 2 11N Secondary<br />

HC & GP<br />

King Edwards Medical<br />

Centre<br />

King Edwards Road W Ruislip No route<br />

HC & GP Wood Lane Medical Centre Wood Lane W Ruislip 2 5N Priority<br />

HC & GP<br />

King Edwards & Swakleys<br />

MC<br />

Swakleys Road Ickenham 2 4N Priority<br />

HC & GP Dr Patel Wallasey Crescent Ickenham No route<br />

HC & GP The Cedars Medical Centre Elliott Avenue Cavendish No route<br />

HC & GP Dr Solomon & Ptnrs Queens Walk South Ruislip 3 12N Secondary<br />

HC & GP Dr M L R Siddiqui Walnut Way South Ruislip No route<br />

7


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

Hills/Junctions/Known<br />

Blackspots<br />

GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

Item Road Name / Location Limits <strong>of</strong> Treatment<br />

1<br />

Harvil Road (From The Drive to<br />

Moorhall Road)<br />

Precautionary 10g/m 2<br />

2 Church Hill (From Priory Avenue to DoPrecautionary 10g/m 2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

5<br />

Rickmansworth Road (Twin Hill’s –<br />

From Hill End Road to Woodcock<br />

Hill)<br />

Northwood Road (from Jackets<br />

Lane to Shepherds Hill Farm)<br />

Breakspear Road North (Drakes<br />

Hill – from Gilbert Road North to<br />

Harvil Road)<br />

Precautionary 10g/m 2<br />

Precautionary 10g/m 2<br />

Precautionary 10g/m 2<br />

6 Breakspear Road South Precautionary 10g/m 2<br />

7<br />

New Years Green Lane (from<br />

Breakspear Road North to Harvil<br />

Road)<br />

Precautionary 10g/m 2<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned<br />

to you.<br />

8


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 1<br />

SECTION 1N<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

105BNorthgate<br />

A4180, Ducks Hill Road Copswood Way<br />

A404, Rickmansworth Road (To Boundary) The Broadwalk<br />

A404, Pinner Road (To Boundary) Links Way<br />

A4125, High Street Northwood Wieland Road<br />

A4125, Watford Road (To Boundary) Shefton Rise<br />

B468, Green Lane and Return Hillside Rise<br />

A4125, Church Road Hillside Gardens<br />

Ravenswood Park<br />

Catlins Lane<br />

Hillside Crescent<br />

Stanley Road<br />

Plus: Mount Vernon Hospital<br />

Kewferry Drive (Only on USnow weatherU condition indicator)<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned<br />

to you.<br />

9


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 1<br />

SECTION 2N<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

B466, Eastcote Road (From Bury Street)<br />

B466, High Road, Eastcote<br />

Cuckoo Hill (To Boundary)<br />

B472, Joel Street<br />

Northwood Way<br />

Hillside Road<br />

Potter Street Hill<br />

Potter Street<br />

106BCheney Street<br />

Highland Road<br />

York Road<br />

Lincoln Road<br />

Cranbourne Road<br />

Lichfield Road<br />

Winchester Road<br />

Colchester Road<br />

Rochester Road<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned<br />

to you.<br />

10


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 2<br />

SECTION 3N<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Breakspear Road North (From Fine Bush Lane)<br />

Northwood Road (To Boundary)<br />

Rickmansworth Road , Harefield (To boundary)<br />

Hill End Road<br />

Springwell Lane (to Cripps Farm)<br />

Park Lane (To Boundary)<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned<br />

to you.<br />

11


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 2<br />

SECTION 4N<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

B467, Swakeleys Road (From Breakspear Road to Long Lane)<br />

Breakspear Road South<br />

Harvil Road<br />

Moorhall Road<br />

Church Hill<br />

High Street, Harefield<br />

New Years Green Lane<br />

Fine Bush Lane<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned<br />

to you.<br />

12


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 2<br />

SECTION 5N<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

B466, Long Lane (From Freezeland Way – Swakeleys Road)<br />

B466, Ickenham Road<br />

Kingsend<br />

Wood Lane<br />

High Road, Ickenham<br />

B467, Swakeleys Road (Swakeleys R/bout to Breakspear Road)<br />

A40, Western Ave (Swakeleys R/bout Only)<br />

Warren Road<br />

Freezeland Way (From Long Lane Junction West to Mini R/bout)<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned<br />

to you.<br />

13


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 3<br />

SECTION 6N<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Breakspear Road (From Breakspear Arms to Bury Street)<br />

Reservoir Road<br />

A4180, Bury Street (From Breakspear Road)<br />

A4180, High Street, Ruislip<br />

A4180, West End Road To Polish Memorial<br />

107BStation Approach<br />

Windmill Hill<br />

Pembroke Road<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned<br />

to you.<br />

14


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 3<br />

SECTION 7N<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Bridle Road (Junction Field End Road to Boundary)<br />

Field End Road (To Boundary at Rabournmead Drive)<br />

North View (To Boundary)<br />

Victoria Road<br />

Park Way<br />

Elm Avenue<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned<br />

to you.<br />

15


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

SECONDARY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 1<br />

SECTION 8N<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Thirlmere Gardens<br />

Kewferry Road<br />

Maxwell Road<br />

Murray Road<br />

Eastbury Road<br />

Frithwood Avenue<br />

Elgood Avenue<br />

Woodgate Crescent<br />

Gatehill Road<br />

Hallowell Road<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned<br />

to you.<br />

16


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

SECONDARY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 1<br />

SECTION 9N<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Chamberlain Way<br />

Tolcarne Drive<br />

Norwich Road<br />

Wiltshire Lane<br />

Wentworth Drive<br />

Fore Street<br />

Salisbury Road<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned<br />

to you.<br />

17


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

SECONDARY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 2<br />

SECTION 11N<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Hoylake Crescent<br />

Copthall Road East<br />

Bushey Road<br />

Thornhill Road<br />

Woodstock Drive<br />

Swakeleys Drive<br />

Glebe Avenue<br />

Austins Lane<br />

Lysander Road<br />

Lymington Drive<br />

Bembridge Gardens<br />

Chichester Avenue<br />

Sussex Road (Part)<br />

Sharps Lane<br />

Southcote Rise<br />

Westcote Rise<br />

Woodville Gardens<br />

Glenhurst Avenue<br />

Orchard Close<br />

Hill Lane<br />

Heathfield Rise<br />

Manor Road<br />

The Oaks<br />

Court Road<br />

Burnham Avenue<br />

Field Way<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to<br />

you.<br />

18


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ROUTE 3<br />

SECTION 10N<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Howletts Lane<br />

Marlborough Avenue<br />

Ladygate Lane<br />

Midcr<strong>of</strong>t<br />

Manor Way<br />

Hawtrey Drive<br />

College Drive<br />

The Uplands<br />

The Ridgeway<br />

Kings College Road<br />

Park Avenue<br />

Evelyn Avenue<br />

Elmbridge Drive<br />

St Martins Approach<br />

Pamela Gardens<br />

St Lawrence Drive<br />

Rodney Gardens<br />

Burwood Avenue (Part)<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

SECONDARY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned<br />

to you.<br />

19


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

SECONDARY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 3<br />

SECTION 12N<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

UCOMMENCING FROM<br />

Oak Grove<br />

Southbourne Gardens<br />

Chelston Road<br />

Cornwall Road<br />

Torrington Road<br />

Whitby Road<br />

The Fairway<br />

Long Drive<br />

Queens Walk<br />

Torcross Road<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned<br />

to you.<br />

20


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 1<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

4BROUTE 8<br />

SECTION 13N<br />

Small Salt Spreading Vehicle<br />

Section<br />

13N<br />

13N<br />

13N<br />

13N<br />

13N<br />

13N<br />

13N<br />

13N<br />

13N<br />

13N<br />

Location<br />

Ravenswood Park, Northwood<br />

Northwood Way, Northwood Hills<br />

Northwood Way, Church Road to<br />

Hillside Road, Northwood<br />

Fore Street, Ruislip<br />

Park Avenue, Ruislip<br />

Glenhurst Avenue, Ruislip<br />

Orchard Close, Ruislip<br />

Cornwall Road, Ruislip<br />

The Avenue, Northwood<br />

Pinn Way, Ruislip<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate<br />

required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned<br />

to you.<br />

21


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX B TO APPENDIX 1<br />

Footways<br />

Priority and Secondary Treatment (Severe Conditions/Snow)<br />

In the event <strong>of</strong> snowfall preventing effective sweeping, cleansing operatives<br />

and their vehicles (where appropriate) may be required to carry out snow<br />

clearance or salting duties. During these periods it is likely that the cleansing<br />

operation would be suspended.<br />

The number <strong>of</strong> operatives / vehicles applied to this task will be at the<br />

discretion <strong>of</strong> the Winter Service Call Out Officer in consultation with both the<br />

Street Environment Manager and Service Manager (Waste). It is also<br />

dependent on whether the full service is suspended or certain services e.g.<br />

litter bin emptying will continue.<br />

Footway entrances to railway stations; hospitals and many schools have been<br />

included within priority footway treatment routes. The carriageway outside<br />

many <strong>of</strong> these facilities has also been included within priority carriageway<br />

treatment routes.<br />

For secondary treatment, resources are to be applied in accordance with<br />

severity <strong>of</strong> conditions and the predicted duration. Treatment will be phased<br />

according to the priorities for pedestrian and vehicle movement after<br />

considering the risk <strong>of</strong> injury and the level <strong>of</strong> use. The following to be treated<br />

before clearing residential footways and carriageways;<br />

(a)<br />

(b)<br />

(c)<br />

(d)<br />

(e)<br />

(f)<br />

(g)<br />

Entrances to hospitals, clinics and medical centres.<br />

Access/ entrances to bus stations and transport interchanges.<br />

Outside schools/ special schools.<br />

Major shopping frontages.<br />

Local shopping areas.<br />

Day centres, homes for older people/ sheltered housing.<br />

Residential areas where access is difficult.<br />

5BOn completion <strong>of</strong> treatment the resources will be employed on other footways<br />

on a priority basis.<br />

22


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

FOOTWAY<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

Hand Salting Machines<br />

ANNEX B TO APPENDIX 1<br />

6BPedestrianised areas, bridges, subways, combined footway/cycleway,<br />

footway/footpath.<br />

Item Road Name Feature Limits <strong>of</strong> Treatment<br />

1.<br />

Rickmansworth<br />

Road<br />

Mt Vernon Hospital<br />

Footway/path<br />

2. Pinner Road Pinner Road Hospital Footway/path<br />

3. Potter Street Northwood School Footway/path<br />

4. Tolcarne Drive Harlyn School Footway/path<br />

5. Wiltshire Lane Hayden School Footway/path<br />

6. Fore Street Coteford School Footway/path<br />

7. Old Hatch Manor Warrender Primary Footway/path<br />

8. Dawlish Drive Lady Banks School Footway/path<br />

9. Field End Road Field End School Footway/path<br />

10. Field End Road Queensmead School Footway/path<br />

11. Queens Walk Deanesfield School Footway/path<br />

12. Stafford Road Ruislip Gardens School Footway/path<br />

13. Herlwyn Avenue Sacred Heart School Footway/path<br />

14. Southcote Rise<br />

Bishop Winnington-Ingram CE<br />

Primary<br />

Footway/path<br />

15. Ladygate Lane Whiteheath School Footway/path<br />

16. Bushey Road Breakspear School Footway/path<br />

17. Warren Road Vyners School Footway/path<br />

18. Long Lane Douay Martyrs School Footway/path<br />

19. Sussex Road Glebe Primary Footway/path<br />

20. Glebe Avenue Ickenham Station Footway/path<br />

21. High Road West Ruislip Station Footway/path<br />

20BShop Front Routes<br />

1 Ruislip High Street Kingsend to Eastcote Road<br />

2 Joel Street Tolcarne Drive to Pinner Road<br />

3 Victoria Road Manor Way to Chelston Approach<br />

4 Green Lane Dene Road to Hallowell Road<br />

5 Station Approach West End Road to West Mead<br />

6 Northwood High Street Pinner Road to Emmanual Road<br />

7 Field End Road Meadow Way to Woodlands Avenue<br />

23


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

FOOTWAY<br />

SECONDARY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

NORTHERN AREA<br />

ANNEX B TO APPENDIX 1<br />

7BShop Front Routes<br />

Hand Salting Machines<br />

1 Harefield High Street<br />

2 Gilbert Road Harefield<br />

3 Howletts Lane Ruislip<br />

4 Swakeleys Road Ickenham<br />

5 Glebe Avenue Ickenham<br />

6 Aylesham Drive Ickenham<br />

7 Ickenham j/w Greenway<br />

8 West End Road New Pond Parade<br />

9 Field End Road Adjacent to BP Garage and Eastcote Arms PH<br />

10 Whitby Road<br />

11 Salisbury Road<br />

24


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

Ref<br />

ANNEX C TO APPENDIX 1<br />

8BSalt Bin Locations<br />

Road<br />

Name<br />

1 Springwell HA<br />

2 Springwell HA<br />

3<br />

4<br />

Welland<br />

Road<br />

Rodney<br />

Close<br />

District Location Details<br />

NH<br />

Adjacent to Springwell<br />

Lock<br />

300m south <strong>of</strong><br />

Springwell Lock<br />

Jct. with Richmond<br />

Road.<br />

NH Opposite 17 to 20<br />

Grade 1<br />

in --<br />

Comments<br />

25


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX D TO APPENDIX 1<br />

21BIce Sign Locations<br />

10BRef Road Name 1BDistrict Location Details Comments<br />

Breakspear Road<br />

Opp Breakspear Stables cottage<br />

1<br />

Harefield<br />

On Ex post<br />

North<br />

cottages<br />

2<br />

Breakspear Road<br />

Harefield Opp Bourne Farm On Ex post<br />

North<br />

3 New Years Green Harefield Half way down near opp No 4 On Ex post<br />

4<br />

Lane<br />

New Years Green<br />

Lane<br />

5 Rickmansworth Road<br />

Harefield Outside recycling centre On Ex post<br />

Harefield<br />

Outside High Lodge opp<br />

boundary sign<br />

On Ex post<br />

Harefield<br />

6 Rickmansworth Road<br />

After layby just before double On Ex post<br />

bend<br />

7 Wiltshire Lane Northwood Hills Outside no 133 L/C 26<br />

8 Wiltshire Lane Northwood Hills J/W Heatherfold Way L/C 31<br />

With 5T over night<br />

lorry ban<br />

26


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

APPENDIX 2<br />

Salting Routes and Winter Operational Service<br />

AREA SOUTH OF A40<br />

27


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

Salting Routes and Winter Operational Service<br />

The following list covers the full range <strong>of</strong> planned salting routes within the <strong>London</strong><br />

<strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong> with priority and secondary routes.<br />

9BSOUTHERN AREA<br />

1. CARRIAGEWAY PRIORITY ROUTES<br />

Route Section Type Vehicle<br />

4 2S,5S,6S Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

5 3S Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

6 4S,8S Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

7 7S,9S Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

8 16S Carriageway Route Small salt spreading vehicle<br />

2. CARRIAGEWAY SECONDARY ROUTES<br />

Route Section Type Vehicle<br />

4 10S Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

5 13S Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

6 11S,15S Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

7 12S,14S Carriageway Route Large salt spreading vehicle<br />

28


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

Revisions to Salting Routes included for 2011/2012<br />

2BSOUTHERN AREA<br />

Route 12BSection Additions Deletions<br />

5 3S Lees Road.<br />

4 5S A408 Holloway La.<br />

4 6S Station Rd.<br />

7 7S A408 Park View Rd. Peachey High<br />

St<br />

7 9S Bolingbroke Way.<br />

7 12S The Green (pt), Rowan Rd (pt), Mulberry Pde.<br />

5 13S<br />

Adelphi Way, Leybourne Rd (pt), Ayles Rd,<br />

Welbeck Ave (pt), Strafford Rd, Chatsworth Rd (pt).<br />

7 14S<br />

Carfax Road, Crowland Ave, Clarendon Road,<br />

Carnarvon Drive, Granville Rd (Hayes), Mildred Ave,<br />

Coronation Rd, Bedwell Gdns (pt).<br />

Crowland Rd.<br />

6 15S Park View Rd (Colham Grn r/bout to Colham Grn.<br />

29


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

Carriageway Treatments<br />

ANNEX B TO APPENDIX 2<br />

Route Location <strong>of</strong> Hospitals, Railway Stations, Day Centres, Residential Care Homes,<br />

Clinics, Medical Centres, Military Infrastructure, Airfields, etc.<br />

The following is a list <strong>of</strong> hospitals, railway stations, day centres, residential homes, clinics,<br />

medical centres, etc, within the borough.<br />

13BType 14BFacility/Centre 15BRoad Name 16BWard 17BRoute 18BSection 19BHierarchy<br />

RS <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Long Lane Hilldn East 5 3S Priority<br />

RS Uxbridge High Street Uxb North Pedestrianised<br />

RS West Drayton Station Approach W Drayton 7 7S Priority<br />

RS Hayes & Harlington Station Road Botwell 4 6S Priority<br />

RS <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Long Lane Hilldn East 5 3S Priority<br />

MOD RAF Uxbridge Park Rd/<strong>Hillingdon</strong> Hill Uxb North 6 4S Priority<br />

A Heathrow Airport T1,2&3 Heathrow No route<br />

A<br />

Heathrow Airport T4<br />

Southern Perimeter<br />

Road<br />

Heathrow No route<br />

A Heathrow Airport T5 Stanwell Moor Road Heathrow 4 5S Priority<br />

H <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Hospital Pield Heath Road Brunel 5 3S Priority<br />

RCH Sweetcr<strong>of</strong>t Sweetcr<strong>of</strong>t Lane Uxb North No route<br />

RCH Residential Care Home Devon Way Uxb North No route<br />

RCH<br />

Parkfield House Nursing<br />

Home<br />

Charville Lane West Hilldn East No route<br />

RCH The Old Vicarage The Greenway Brunel 6 8S Priority<br />

RCH Residential Care Home Queens Road Uxb South No route<br />

RCH Residential Care Home Worcester Road Uxb South No route<br />

RCH Marion House Nursing Home Kingston Lane Brunel 6 8S Priority<br />

RCH Merchiston House Colham Road, Brunel No route<br />

RCH Colham Road Home Colham Road, Brunel No route<br />

RCH Residential Care Home Heather Lane Yiewsley No route<br />

RCH Residential Care Home Lowdell Yiewsley No route<br />

RCH Chapel Lane Home Chapel Lane Uxb South No route<br />

RCH Residential Care Home Whiteheart Avenue Brunel No route<br />

RCH Residential Care Home Whiteheart Avenue Brunel No route<br />

RCH Heathfield House Heath Road Hilldn East No route<br />

RCH Residential Care Home Kingsway Botwell 7 14S Secondary<br />

RCH Aston House Care Home Angel Lane Botwell 7 14S Secondary<br />

RCH Ashwood Care Centre Derwent Drive Charvill No route<br />

RCH Grange House Grange Road Townfield No route<br />

RCH Hayes Cottage Care Centre Grange Road Townfield No route<br />

RCH Residential Care Home Bishops Road Botwell No route<br />

RCH Micado Home St Marys Road Townfield No route<br />

RCH Residential Care Home Precinct Road Townfield No route<br />

RCH Residential Care Home 2 Little Road Townfield No route<br />

RCH Blandford Lodge Blandford Waye Yeading No route<br />

RCH Swanage Lodge Swanage Waye Yeading No route<br />

RCH Hatton Grove Home Hatton Grove W Drayton No route<br />

RCH Residential Care Home Frays Avenue W Drayton No route<br />

RCH Franklin House The Green, Swan Road W Drayton No route<br />

RCH The Burroughs Mill Road W Drayton No route<br />

RCH Residential Care Home Money Lane W Drayton No route<br />

HC & GP Medical Health Centre Long Lane Hilldn East 5 3S Priority<br />

HC & GP Acorn Medical Centre Long Lane Hilldn East 5 3S Priority<br />

HC & GP Long Lane Surgery Long Lane Hilldn East 5 3S Priority<br />

HC & GP Oaklands Medical Centre Long Lane Hilldn East 5 3S Priority<br />

HC & GP Belmont Medical Centre Belmont Road Uxb North 6 8S Priority<br />

HC & GP Uxbridge Health Centre George Street Uxb North 6 4S Priority<br />

HC & GP The Medical Centre Brunel University Brunel No route<br />

HC & GP Church Road Surgery Church Road Brunel 7 7S Priority<br />

30


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

HC & GP The Timbers Surgery Shepherds Close Uxb south No route<br />

HC & GP<br />

West <strong>London</strong> Medical<br />

Centre<br />

Harlington Road Yiewsley 4 2S Priority<br />

HC & GP Dr GN Stearnes' Practice West Drayton Road Yiewsley 6 4S Priority<br />

HC & GP Yiewsley Health Centre High Street Yiewsley 7 7S Priority<br />

HC & GP Otterfield Medical Centre Otterfield Road Yiewsley No route<br />

HC & GP New Medical Centre The Green W Drayton 7 12S Secondary<br />

HC & GP Medical Health Centre Harmondsworth Road W Drayton 4 5S Priority<br />

HC & GP Hayes Stadium Judge Heath Lane Botwell 7 14S Secondary<br />

HC & GP The Cedar Brook Practice Kingshill Close Charville No route<br />

HC & GP Dr Kamaluddin & Partners Lansbury Drive Charville 5 13S Secondary<br />

HC & GP Medical Health Centre Yeading Lane Yeading 5 3S Priority<br />

HC & GP The Willow Tree Surgery Jollys Lane Yeading No route<br />

HC & GP<br />

Uxbridge College Health College Way,<br />

Centre<br />

Coldharbour Lane<br />

Townfield No route<br />

HC & GP The Practice Shakespeare Avenue Barnhill 5 13S Secondary<br />

HC & GP The Warren Medical Centre<br />

The Warren, Uxbridge<br />

Road<br />

Barnhill 5 3S Priority<br />

HC & GP Townfield Doctors Surgery College Way Townfield No route<br />

HC & GP ‘Kincora’ Coldharbour Lane Townfield 4 6S Priority<br />

HC & GP Minet Clinic Avondale Drive Townfield No route<br />

HC & GP The Orchard Practice Station Road Botwell 4 6S Priority<br />

HC & GP Hayes Medical Centre Old Station Rd Botwell No route<br />

HC & GP Elers Road Health Clinic Elers Road Pinkwell No route<br />

HC & GP Medical Health Centre North Hyde Road Pinkwell No route<br />

HC & GP Heathrow Medical Centre St Peters Way Brunel No route<br />

HC & GP Glendale House Surgery High Street Heathrow 4 6S Priority<br />

31


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

10BCARRIAGEWAY<br />

Hills/Junctions/Known<br />

Blackspots<br />

GRITTING ROUTES<br />

1BSOUTHERN AREA<br />

Item Road Name / Location Limits <strong>of</strong> Treatment Comments<br />

1 Stockley Road Precautionary 10g/m 2<br />

2 Charville Lane (from Pole Hill Road to Bury Avenue) Precautionary 10g/m 2<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

32


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 4<br />

SECTION 2S<br />

UCOMMENCING FROM<br />

A437, Harlington Road (From Depot) to Dawley Road and back<br />

A408, Yiewsley By Pass (Stockley Road) to include all slip roads<br />

B465, West Drayton Road to include slip roads.<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

33


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 4<br />

SECTION 5S<br />

UCOMMENCING FROM<br />

A3044, Holloway Lane (From Cherry Lane R/bout to Hatch Lane)<br />

A408, Holloway Lane<br />

A3044, Hatch Lane<br />

A3044, Stanwell Moor Road (To Boundary)<br />

Old Bath Road (To Boundary)<br />

A408, Sipson Road (All)<br />

Harmondsworth Road<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

34


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 4<br />

SECTION 6S<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Coldharbour Lane<br />

A437, Station Road<br />

A437, High Street, Harlington<br />

North Hyde Road (All)<br />

Station Road<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

35


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 5<br />

SECTION 3S<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

A4020, Uxbridge Road (Junction Harlington Road to Boundary Canal<br />

Bridge)<br />

A437, Long Lane (To Junction Western Avenue turning In <strong>Hillingdon</strong><br />

Station)<br />

Pole Hill Road<br />

Charville Lane (To Langdale Drive)<br />

Yeading Lane<br />

Willow Tree Lane<br />

Glencoe Road<br />

Broadmead Road<br />

<strong>Hillingdon</strong> Hospital<br />

Lees Road<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

36


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 6<br />

SECTION 4S<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

A437, Harlington Road - From depot to Uxbridge Road<br />

A4020, <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Hill<br />

A4020, <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Road<br />

B483, Park Road<br />

B467, Harefield Road<br />

Vine Street<br />

High Street, Uxbridge<br />

Chippendale Waye<br />

York Road<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

37


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 6<br />

SECTION 8S<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Hercies Road<br />

Honeycr<strong>of</strong>t Hill<br />

Belmont Road<br />

Oxford Road (To Boundary)<br />

Cross Street<br />

Trumper Way<br />

New Windsor Street<br />

Rockingham Road<br />

A4007, St Johns Road<br />

Cowley Mill Road<br />

The Greenway<br />

Kingston Lane<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

38


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 7<br />

SECTION 7S<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Pield Heath Road<br />

Church Road<br />

Station Road, Uxbridge<br />

A408, High Street, Cowley<br />

A408, High Road, Cowley<br />

B470, Iver Lane<br />

A408, Cowley Road (To Trumpers Way)<br />

Falling Lane<br />

A408, High Street Yiewsley<br />

Station Road West Drayton<br />

Cherry Lane<br />

A408 Park View Road<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

39


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

UANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 7<br />

SECTION 9S<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

A437, Dawley Road<br />

Shepiston Lane<br />

Swallowfield Way<br />

Rigby Lane<br />

Bolingbroke Way<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

40


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

ROUTE 4<br />

SECTION 10S<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

SECONDARY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Harmondsworth Lane<br />

Sipson Lane<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

41


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ROUTE 5<br />

SECTION 13S<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

SECONDARY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Romney Parade<br />

Bury Avenue<br />

Goshawk Gardens<br />

Adelphi Way<br />

Adelphi Crescent<br />

Kingshill Avenue<br />

Balmoral Drive<br />

Lansbury Drive<br />

Park Lane/Park Road<br />

Shakespeare Avenue (Uxbridge Road to Balmoral<br />

Drive)<br />

Greenway<br />

Yeading Gardens<br />

Springfield Road<br />

Granville Road (Uxbridge)<br />

Beaconsfield Road<br />

Windsor Avenue<br />

Ryefield Avenue<br />

Grosvenor Crescent<br />

Sutton Court Road<br />

Snowden Avenue<br />

Weymouth Road<br />

Leybourne Road (Part)<br />

Ayles Road<br />

Welbeck Avenue (Part)<br />

Stratford Road<br />

Chatsworth Road (Part)<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you<br />

42


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ROUTE 6<br />

SECTION 11S<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

SECONDARY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Salt Hill Close<br />

Beacons Close<br />

Woodhall Close<br />

Fairlight Drive<br />

Pages Lane<br />

Cambridge Road<br />

Fairfield Road<br />

Bakers Road<br />

Honey Hill<br />

Vine Lane<br />

Court Drive<br />

Windsor Street<br />

Gravel Hill<br />

Blossom Way<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

43


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ROUTE 6<br />

SECTION 15S<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

SECONDARY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Colham Green Road (Junction Pield Heath Road to West Drayton Road)<br />

Violet Avenue (Part)<br />

Appletree Avenue (Part)<br />

Royal Lane<br />

Cleveland Road<br />

Whitehall Road<br />

Arundel Road (Public Highway Only)<br />

Eskdale Road<br />

Salisbury Road<br />

Wallingford Road to Salisbury Road<br />

Ashley Road<br />

Waterloo Road<br />

Park View Road (Colham Green R/bout to Colham Roundabout)<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

44


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ROUTE 7<br />

SECTION 12S<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

SECONDARY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

Swan Road<br />

The Green (Part)<br />

Mill Road<br />

Church Road<br />

Wise Lane<br />

Rowan Road (Part)<br />

Laurel Lane<br />

Porters Way<br />

Mulberry Parade<br />

Lavender Rise<br />

Horton Road<br />

Tavistock Road<br />

Trout Road (Part)<br />

New Peachey Lane<br />

Peachey Lane<br />

Packet Boat Lane<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

UDO NOTU grit UNSTATEDU roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

45


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ROUTE 7<br />

SECTION 14S<br />

COMMENCING FROM<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

SECONDARY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

Kingsway<br />

Morgans Lane<br />

Angel Lane<br />

Wood End Green Road<br />

Botwell Lane<br />

Judge Heath Lane<br />

Botwell Common Road<br />

Church Road<br />

Central Avenue<br />

Pump Lane<br />

Blyth Road<br />

Clayton Road<br />

Granville Road (Hayes)<br />

Carnarvon Drive<br />

Crowland Avenue<br />

Pinkwell Lane<br />

Skipton Drive<br />

Bourne Avenue<br />

Mildred Avenue<br />

Crown Close<br />

Cranford Lane<br />

Cranford Drive<br />

Roseville Road<br />

Carfax Road<br />

Coronation Road (Part)<br />

Bedwell Gardens (Part)<br />

Clarendon Road<br />

NB.<br />

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO OPERATIVES<br />

1. Before departure check with your Supervisor on the spread rate required.<br />

2. Also check that the spinner is set correctly.<br />

3. Ensure that all roads stated above have been thoroughly completed.<br />

DO NOT grit UNSTATED roads.<br />

4. Return holder to your Supervisor after completing the route assigned to you.<br />

46


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX A TO APPENDIX 2<br />

CARRIAGEWAY<br />

PRIORITY GRITTING ROUTES<br />

SOUTHERN AREA<br />

ROUTE 8<br />

SECTION 16S<br />

Small Salt Spreading Vehicle<br />

Route<br />

17S<br />

17S<br />

17S<br />

17S<br />

17S<br />

17S<br />

Location<br />

Vine Lane, <strong>Hillingdon</strong>.<br />

Vine Lane from <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Hill to Court Drive,<br />

<strong>Hillingdon</strong>.<br />

Thorney Mill Road, continuation <strong>of</strong> Mill Road.<br />

Yeading Gardens, Hayes.<br />

Yeading Gardens from Yeading Lane to<br />

Shakespeare Avenue, Hayes.<br />

Freemans Lane, continuation <strong>of</strong> Judge Heath<br />

Lane.<br />

47


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX B TO APPENDIX 2<br />

Priority and Secondary Treatment (Severe Conditions/Snow)<br />

In the event <strong>of</strong> snowfall preventing effective sweeping, cleansing operatives and their<br />

vehicles (where appropriate) may be required to carry out snow clearance or salting<br />

duties. During these periods it is likely that the cleansing operation would be<br />

suspended.<br />

The number <strong>of</strong> operatives / vehicles applied to this task will be at the discretion <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Winter Service Call Out Officer in consultation with both the Street Environment<br />

Manager and Service Manager (Waste). It is also dependent on whether the full<br />

service is suspended or certain services e.g. litter bin emptying will continue.<br />

Footway entrances to railway stations; hospitals and many schools have been<br />

included within priority footway treatment routes. The carriageway outside many <strong>of</strong><br />

these facilities has also been included within priority carriageway treatment routes.<br />

For secondary treatment, resources are to be applied in accordance with severity <strong>of</strong><br />

conditions and the predicted duration. Treatment will be phased according to the<br />

priorities for pedestrian and vehicle movement after considering the risk <strong>of</strong> injury and<br />

the level <strong>of</strong> use. The following to be treated before clearing residential footways and<br />

carriageways;<br />

(a)<br />

(b)<br />

(c)<br />

(d)<br />

(e)<br />

(f)<br />

(h)<br />

Entrances to hospitals, clinics and medical centres.<br />

Access/ entrances to bus stations and transport interchanges.<br />

Outside schools/ special schools.<br />

Major shopping frontages.<br />

Local shopping areas.<br />

Day centres, homes for older people/ sheltered housing.<br />

Residential areas where access is difficult.<br />

12BOn completion <strong>of</strong> treatment the resources will be employed on other footways on a<br />

priority basis.<br />

48


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

23BPriority Footway Treatment – Hand Salting Machines<br />

ANNEX B TO APPENDIX 2<br />

Pedestrianised areas, bridges, combined cycleway / footway<br />

/footpath<br />

Item Road Name Feature Limits <strong>of</strong> Treatment<br />

1. Pield Heath Road <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Hospital Footway/path<br />

2. Hewens Road Mellow Lane School Footway/path<br />

3. Polehill Road Swakeleys School Footway/path<br />

4. Clifton Gardens Abbotsfield School Footway/path<br />

5. Royal Lane Bishopshalt School Footway/path<br />

6. Greenway Uxbridge High School Footway/path<br />

7. Cowley Road Whitehall School Footway/path<br />

8. Belmont Road Hermitage School Footway/path<br />

9. Ryefield Avenue Ryefield School Footway/path<br />

10. Windsor Avenue Oak Farm School Footway/path<br />

11. Colham Green Road Colham Manor School Footway/path<br />

12. Bury Avenue Charville School Footway/path<br />

13. Lansbury Drive Grange Park School Footway/path<br />

14. Raynton Drive Hayes Park School Footway/path<br />

15. Station Road Hayes Station Footway/path<br />

16. Long Lane <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Station Footway/path<br />

17. High Street Uxbridge Station Footway/path<br />

18. Oxford Road, Uxbridge Footbridge (rear <strong>of</strong> ‘Pavillions’) Footway/path<br />

19. Cowley Road to Bridge Road, Uxbridge Footbridge (Over River Fray) Footway/path<br />

20. St Andrews Roundabout, Uxbridge Subway Footway/path<br />

21. High Road/New Peachey Lane, Cowley Subway Footway/path<br />

22. <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Road/Vine Street, Uxbridge Subway Footway/path<br />

23. Uxbridge Road/Fulham Close, Hayes Subway Footway/path<br />

24. Uxbridge Road/Hayes End Road, Hayes Subway Footway/path<br />

25. Glencoe Road/Kings Ash Drive, Hayes Subway Footway/path<br />

Priority Treatment, Shop Front Routes<br />

120BUxbridge High Street<br />

Uxbridge Road<br />

Station Road West Drayton / High<br />

Street Yiewsley<br />

Coldharbour Lane<br />

Station Road, Hayes<br />

St Andrews Roundabout to Harefield Road to include Vine Street, Windsor<br />

Street, Belmont Road to York Road, Uxbridge Bus Garage and Bakers Yard<br />

Long Lane to Yeading Lane<br />

Falling Lane to Swan Road<br />

Birchway to Botwell Lane<br />

Train Station to Botwell Lane<br />

49


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

14BSecondary Footway Treatment – Hand Salting Machines<br />

Secondary Treatment, Shop Front Routes<br />

13BANNEX B TO APPENDIX 2<br />

121BGreenway Uxbridge<br />

Cowley Road Various<br />

Moorfield Road<br />

Swan Road<br />

Porters Way<br />

Harmondsworth Road<br />

Laurel Lane<br />

Harmondsworth Village<br />

Sipson Road<br />

Harlington High Street<br />

St Dunstans Close<br />

Redmead Road<br />

Dawley Road<br />

Bourne Avenue<br />

Kingshill Avenue<br />

12BPield Heath Road<br />

Violet Avenue<br />

Falling Lane<br />

<strong>Hillingdon</strong> Hill<br />

Sutton Court Road<br />

Ryefield Avenue<br />

Long lane / Hercies Road<br />

Welbeck Avenue<br />

Balmoral Drive<br />

Willowtree Lane<br />

Brookside Road<br />

North Hyde Road<br />

Dawley Road Princess Park<br />

Dawley Road Merrymans<br />

Judge Heath Lane<br />

Woodend Green Road<br />

50


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX C TO APPENDIX 2<br />

24BSalt Bin Locations<br />

Ref Road Name 123BWard Location Details Grade 1 in -- Comments<br />

1 Harefield Road Uxbridge North P (fs)<br />

2 Harefield Road Uxbridge North P (fs)<br />

3 Harefield Road Uxbridge North P (fs)<br />

51


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

ANNEX D TO APPENDIX 2<br />

25BIce Sign Locations<br />

None<br />

52


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

Weather Forecasts and Decision Making Procedure<br />

APPENDIX 3<br />

INTRODUCTION<br />

Weather forecasting is provided by the Met Office as part <strong>of</strong> their <strong>London</strong> Winter Weather<br />

service. The period <strong>of</strong> service is 29th October 2010 to 1st April 2011.<br />

From the 29 October, the highways Call Out Officer will contact the <strong>London</strong> Weather Centre<br />

08704 555801, DAILY inc weekends to ascertain the weather forecast and fill in the<br />

appropriate pre-printed daily weather report form, Appendix 5. The RMS will be contacted<br />

and organise appropriate action.<br />

SERVICE<br />

Service consists <strong>of</strong> three elements:<br />

• Email Forecast<br />

Main 24-hour forecast issued at 11:00 hrs is emailed to the SSMM and a copy for file.<br />

Copy given to Highway Duty Officer on call ‘out <strong>of</strong> hours’ with a copy <strong>of</strong> any order<br />

letters if service has been ordered during working hours by SMSS. Faxed updates<br />

may be issued by the Met. Office at other times and available ‘out <strong>of</strong> hours’ if the<br />

forecast has significantly changed.<br />

• Answer Phone Forecast<br />

This provides the same information as from the emailed forecasts and can be<br />

accessed ‘out <strong>of</strong> hours’ to update 11:00 hour forecast. Forecasts are provided at<br />

11:00, 17:00, 23:00 and 03:00. Intermediate forecasts will be issued if there is a<br />

‘weather warning’.<br />

• Consultancy Service direct with forecasters<br />

Direct discussions with the duty forecaster for clarification <strong>of</strong> latest answer phone/fax<br />

forecast only. Main points <strong>of</strong> discussion and decisions resulting from these are to be<br />

recorded on the paper forecast and filed ASAP. (Note: Do not divulge PIN number<br />

to others!)<br />

CONDITION INDICATORS<br />

The following indicators are used in all forecasts and this system is the main element <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Met Offices <strong>London</strong> Winter Weather Service.<br />

INDICATOR<br />

NIL<br />

ALPHA<br />

BRAVO<br />

CHARLIE<br />

DELTA<br />

SNOW<br />

TEXT DECODE<br />

Road surface temperatures expected to remain above zero degrees Celsius and snow not expected.<br />

Road surface temperatures expected to fall below zero degrees Celsius but roads are expected to<br />

remain dry.<br />

Road surface temperatures expected to fall below zero degrees Celsius and icy frost is expected to<br />

form.<br />

Road surface temperatures expected to fall below zero degrees Celsius and icy patches are expected<br />

to form.<br />

Road surface temperatures expected to fall below zero degrees Celsius and widespread ice is<br />

expected to form.<br />

Snow is expected.<br />

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WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

APPENDIX 3<br />

All messages will commence with a Condition Indicator - or perhaps two Condition Indicators<br />

if required - and this will be followed by amplifying information on timing, (e.g. AFTER 2100)<br />

and, if appropriate, height (e.g. ABOVE 300 FT).<br />

26BDecision Making Procedure<br />

Condition<br />

Indicator/s<br />

Nil<br />

Alpha<br />

Precipitation, etc<br />

No rain, No hoar<br />

frost, No fog<br />

No rain, No hoar<br />

frost, No fog<br />

Predicted Road Condition<br />

Wet/Wet<br />

Pre-salted in last 24<br />

Dry<br />

Patches<br />

hrs - no rain since.<br />

May fall below freezing.<br />

Route coverage<br />

6 6 6 0<br />

Expected to fall below freezing – See Note (E).<br />

1 (note A) 6 (note A) 6 (note A) Black spots only<br />

Alpha Locally Bravo<br />

Bravo<br />

Expected hoar frost<br />

Expected fog 1 1 (note B) 4 (note B) Priorities<br />

Bravo Locally<br />

Charlie<br />

Charlie<br />

Delta<br />

Expected rain<br />

before freezing<br />

Expected rain<br />

during freezing<br />

3 (note C) 3 (note C) 3 (note C) Priorities & Secondaries<br />

2 (note D)<br />

2 or 5<br />

(note D)<br />

2 or 5 (note D) Priorities & Secondaries<br />

Snow Snow 1 1 1 Priorities & Secondaries<br />

The decision to undertake precautionary treatments should if appropriate be adjusted to take<br />

account <strong>of</strong> residual surface moisture. All decisions require continuous monitoring & review.<br />

27BACTION<br />

1 Salt before frost/Snow. 4 Inspection required.<br />

2 Salt before frost, as<br />

required during rain &<br />

again after rain stops.<br />

5 Inspection required with crews ‘standing by’ in depot for instructions.<br />

3 Salt after rain stops. 6 No action likely, monitor weather<br />

54


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

APPENDIX 3<br />

Note A - Particular attention should be given to wet areas where there is a possibility <strong>of</strong><br />

water running onto the highway from adjacent land that could wash <strong>of</strong>f salt previously<br />

deposited. These areas need to be closely monitored and may require treating morning and<br />

evening.<br />

Note B - When a weather warning contains reference to expected hoarfrost considerable<br />

deposits <strong>of</strong> frost are likely to occur. Hoarfrost usually occurs in early morning and is difficult<br />

to cater for because <strong>of</strong> the probability that any salt deposited on a dry road too soon before<br />

its onset may be dispersed before it can become effective. Close monitoring is required<br />

under this forecast condition, which should ideally be treated just as the hoarfrost is forming.<br />

Such action is normally not practicable and salt may have to be deposited on a dry road<br />

prior to and close as possible to the expected time <strong>of</strong> the condition. When hoarfrost is<br />

forecast at other times the timing <strong>of</strong> salting operations should be adjusted accordingly.<br />

Note C - If under these circumstances rain has not ceased by early morning, crews should<br />

be called out and action initiated as rain ceases.<br />

Note D - Under these circumstances rain will freeze on contact with running surfaces and full<br />

pre-treatment should be provided even on dry roads. This is a most serious condition and<br />

should be monitored closely and continuously throughout the danger period.<br />

Note E - Weather warnings are <strong>of</strong>ten qualified by altitudes in which case differing action may<br />

be required from each depot.<br />

Salt Spread Rates shall be according to the following:<br />

55


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

APPENDIX 4<br />

<strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong>s Winter Weather Service<br />

Climatic Domains Map<br />

Version 6, September 2007<br />

The area covered by the <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong>s can usefully be sub-divided into 8 climatic<br />

domains based on air temperatures in the winter weather season. Road temperatures<br />

cannot be directly inferred from these domains, as many other factors come into play, but<br />

they are a good starting point. Road temperatures will vary across a given domain on a<br />

given night and this will be described in the forecast recording where possible. Bridges and<br />

flyovers are a special case and are generally colder than the surrounding roads and will be<br />

given special mention in the recording if warranted.<br />

Background to the selection <strong>of</strong> the Domains<br />

Various weather elements can be used to define climatic areas, for example rainfall, wind<br />

strength, temperatures and incidence <strong>of</strong> air frost. The domains map has been constructed<br />

using average overnight minimum temperatures between November and March, the core<br />

winter weather season. In data sparse areas, height and land use have been used as an<br />

effective way <strong>of</strong> delineating the domains and feedback from the <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong>s, plus local<br />

knowledge<br />

Causes <strong>of</strong> different climatic areas<br />

There are various factors that affect the climatology <strong>of</strong> an area and any list will include<br />

factors that are not weather related, such as height <strong>of</strong> the ground above sea level, land use<br />

or underlying soil type, although these factors will <strong>of</strong>ten be reflected in the climatological<br />

records. High ground will normally be colder than a low-lying area and as a result has a<br />

higher incidence <strong>of</strong> snowfall when long-term averages are considered. The air temperature<br />

naturally drops by 1 degree Celsius per 100m <strong>of</strong> increasing elevation.<br />

Sandy soils and dry chalk ground are more frost prone as they are good conductors and<br />

cool down rapidly. In general, rural areas are coldest, but within the <strong>London</strong> suburbs land<br />

use varies markedly over short distances. In <strong>London</strong> the buildings have a significant effect<br />

on the climate, absorbing heat by day and releasing it at night and this is known as the<br />

Urban Heat Island Effect.<br />

The topography <strong>of</strong> an area is also important because cold air drains from high to low ground<br />

at night given light surface winds, creating frost hollows. The reverse situation can occur with<br />

frost forming on hilltops and not in the valleys. This will occur when cold air sweeps in over<br />

warm ground and the lowest layers can, on this occasion, stay above freezing. This could<br />

occur for example as a cold front clears the area overnight, bringing clearing skies, lower<br />

humidity and lower air temperatures.<br />

Cold dry valleys<br />

The dip slopes <strong>of</strong> the North Downs and the Chilterns slope towards <strong>London</strong> and the cold air<br />

draining down from them accumulates at the margins <strong>of</strong> <strong>London</strong>. (Cold air is denser and so it<br />

collects in hollows).<br />

The Urban Heat Island Effect<br />

Overnight average minimum temperatures are 2 to 2.5 degrees Celsius higher in Central<br />

<strong>London</strong> (Domain 1) compared with the coldest boroughs (Domain 8). On an individual night<br />

the strength <strong>of</strong> the wind and the wind direction will be the main factors determining the<br />

magnitude <strong>of</strong> the Heat Island effect and its shape. Nights with light winds, under about 10<br />

mph, and clear skies will exhibit the greatest temperature differences between Central<br />

56


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

<strong>London</strong> and the suburbs and on occasion’s differences <strong>of</strong> 8 degrees Celsius in air<br />

temperature can occur. Winds blow most frequently from the west or southwest over <strong>London</strong><br />

so that the Heat Island extends northeast from the City itself when long-term averages are<br />

examined. Again variations on a given night occur and, for example, with easterly winds the<br />

Heat Island is displaced westwards.<br />

Road meteorology in the winter<br />

General comments<br />

This analysis has again used air temperature data to delineate the domains, but it would be<br />

unwise on a given night to infer a road temperature from air temperature measurements.<br />

The actual road temperatures observed across a domain or borough will be affected by<br />

numerous factors such as road construction, shading <strong>of</strong> the road and elevation, as well as<br />

meteorological factors, and it is not possible to sub-divide finely enough to cover all stretches<br />

<strong>of</strong> road. Even within the domains there will be variations with local hot and cold spots. For<br />

example, well shaded roads will be colder by day but overnight, reduced sky-view in heavily<br />

built-up areas, will keep roads relatively warm compared to well exposed roads. The weather<br />

on an individual night will determine the distribution <strong>of</strong> temperature, but the climatic domains<br />

based on average overnight temperatures remain a useful sub-division.<br />

A possible sequence <strong>of</strong> events overnight<br />

On calm, clear nights lower areas will in general be colder and the <strong>London</strong> Heat Island effect<br />

will be at its greatest, with large temperature differences between Domain 1 and the colder<br />

domains. On windy, cloudy nights, higher ground will be coldest, and the Heat Island effect<br />

will be least evident. Warning signs for a cold night are a clear sky, low humidity (dry air)<br />

before sunset and little or no wind.<br />

Dry air cools more rapidly whereas moister air may allow fog to form before the air<br />

temperatures dips to zero, with air and ground temperatures steadying <strong>of</strong>f or even rising as<br />

the fog thickens. In the evening frost may form on grass and other surfaces that cool rapidly<br />

eg cars. The depth <strong>of</strong> this cold and possibly frosty air will increase as successive layers <strong>of</strong><br />

the air are cooled.<br />

The temperature <strong>of</strong> different surfaces<br />

A frost can occur and hoar frost deposits may be seen on grassy surfaces, car windscreens,<br />

car ro<strong>of</strong>s and house ro<strong>of</strong>s long before road temperatures dip to zero and indeed, frost can<br />

occur on such surfaces without road temperatures falling sub-zero on a given night. As a<br />

general rule <strong>of</strong> thumb road temperatures are warmer than most other surfaces due to a<br />

reservoir <strong>of</strong> heat beneath the road surface and the temperature over a grass surface can be<br />

3 to 6 degrees Celsius colder than a nearby road surface.<br />

Blades <strong>of</strong> grass are poor conductors and do not conduct heat from the ground and air tends<br />

to be still between the blades themselves. Although metal is a good conductor <strong>of</strong> heat,<br />

parked cars are also cold, being thermally insulated from the ground, and cars can be one <strong>of</strong><br />

the coldest surfaces observed overnight by up to 8 degrees. The air coming into contact with<br />

the grass or car will be cooled and dew is then deposited, with hoar frost forming if the<br />

temperature <strong>of</strong> the surface falls sub-zero.<br />

Hoar frost deposits are a good visual sign <strong>of</strong> a sub-zero surface, but absence <strong>of</strong> hoar frost<br />

deposits does not however mean a road, or indeed any other surface, is above freezing.<br />

These dry frosts occur when the humidity <strong>of</strong> the air is very low, typically with winds from the<br />

east and to a lesser extent the northwest.<br />

57


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

Bridge decks<br />

APPENDIX 4<br />

Bridges and elevated road sections can be colder than surrounding roads, and could be the<br />

only portions <strong>of</strong> road in a domain or borough affected by ice or hoar frost. A bridge is not in<br />

contact with the ground and is therefore divorced from the heat reservoir, and it also has two<br />

surfaces, which will radiate heat. In winter the air temperature is usually lower than the deep<br />

ground and so bridges tend to be colder and this will be most marked early in the winter<br />

weather season, and they can be colder by around 2 degrees Celsius. However, there are<br />

also occasions when these will be maintained at higher values than lower lying roads. After<br />

a long cold spell when the ground is well cooled at depth, bridge decks will warm more<br />

quickly when the milder air arrives. Bridges over rivers are liable to have more instances <strong>of</strong><br />

hoar frost, due to the local increase in moisture content, but equally well may be kept<br />

warmer by the heat from the rivers.<br />

The condition indicators<br />

In this section some more clarification is given on the road condition indicators used in the<br />

<strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong>s Winter Weather Service.<br />

124BNIL<br />

ALPHA<br />

BRAVO<br />

CHARLIE<br />

DELTA<br />

28BSNOW<br />

Road Surface Temperatures are expected to remain above zero degrees Celsius and snow is not<br />

expected.<br />

Road Surface Temperatures are expected to fall below zero degrees Celsius but roads are<br />

expected to remain dry.<br />

Road Surface Temperatures are expected to fall below zero degrees Celsius and hoar frost is<br />

expected to form.<br />

Road Surface Temperatures are expected to fall below zero degrees Celsius and icy patches are<br />

expected to form.<br />

Road Surface Temperatures are expected to fall below zero degrees Celsius and widespread ice<br />

is expected to form.<br />

Snow is expected.<br />

58


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

APPENDIX 4<br />

Nil<br />

This is largely self-explanatory and indicates a night with no expected winter weather<br />

hazards and roads above freezing. The road temperature value quoted should be used<br />

though to gauge risk, for example, plus 10 Celsius is mild but 1 Celsius is more marginal and<br />

worthy <strong>of</strong> monitoring in later forecast issues.<br />

29BAlpha<br />

This covers occasions when road surfaces are expected to fall sub-zero but are expected to<br />

remain dry. However, this can be qualified by 'locally' if only a few roads are expected to dip<br />

sub-zero. Moisture sources may lead to hoar frost formation and seepage to icy patches,<br />

especially in more rural boroughs, so this <strong>of</strong>ten means that alpha, dry roads dipping subzero,<br />

will be qualified by 'locally bravo or charlie'. This indicates a risk <strong>of</strong> hoar frost for<br />

example on bridges or local icy patches from seepage, water left from showers, re-freezing<br />

snow melt etc. Seepage will only be mentioned if significant eg after a prolonged wet spell.<br />

30Bravo<br />

This indicator refers to the deposition <strong>of</strong> hoar frost on roads. It may also be qualified for<br />

specific types <strong>of</strong> roads, eg more rural roads, bridges and flyovers, or by 'locally charlie'. The<br />

latter would be reported firstly if hoar frost was expected to form but some roads were known<br />

to be wet already, with a risk <strong>of</strong> ice forming, and secondly for conditions with marked hoar<br />

frost where the first vehicles to pass by would cause icy patches.<br />

31BCharlie<br />

This covers icy patches caused by water remaining from showers, rain, snow, hail, and refreezing<br />

snow melt. Seepage will only be mentioned when widespread as the water would<br />

also freeze, but that will largely come down to local <strong>Borough</strong> knowledge, in the same as<br />

water from Fire Brigade action and burst water mains. Again Charlie may be qualified by<br />

'locally' for specific areas, bridges etc or if showers scattered across <strong>London</strong> have left roads<br />

damp.<br />

32BDelta<br />

This is the worst category and would be used when widespread rain, snow or widespread<br />

heavy showers have cleared leaving many roads wet. This category is mutually exclusive in<br />

that for an area, alpha locally delta or bravo locally delta would not be reported. Charlie<br />

locally delta may be reported on occasions. Roads will generally dry within two hours <strong>of</strong> rain<br />

ceasing, but temperature levels need to be considered, as roads cool when drying out, a<br />

process known as evaporative cooling or chilling.<br />

3BSnow<br />

This covers snow events when the snow is expected to be deposited and cause road<br />

problems. Odd flurries <strong>of</strong> snow are unlikely to warrant use <strong>of</strong> this indicator, with these<br />

covered in the main text. This indicator will <strong>of</strong>ten be qualified by another indicator.<br />

59


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

‘Daily Decision’<br />

APPENDIX 5<br />

WINTER SERVICE ‘DAILY DECISION’ for LONDON BOROUGH OF HLLINGDON<br />

DECISION DURING NORMAL WORKING HOURS<br />

11:00hrs Weather Forecast Condition Indicator<br />

Update <strong>of</strong> 11:00 hrs Weather Forecast Condition Indicator: (if any)<br />

Cloud Cover: (Nil/partial/total)<br />

Road Condition: (wet/dry etc.)<br />

Snow Cover at 09:00 hrs: (Nil/yes - approx. depth mm)<br />

Inspection Notes: (If any have been carried out):<br />

Estimate <strong>of</strong> effectiveness <strong>of</strong> Residual Salt: (no effect/some effect/unknown/etc)<br />

Hours lapsed since Routes were last salted<br />

ACTION TO BE TAKEN: No Action/Action Required/Await Later Forecast (Delete as appropriate)<br />

Decision made by:……………..….. Signature:…………………….. Date/Time:………….<br />

ACTION TO BE TAKEN FOLLOWING LATER FORECAST ‘OUT OF HOURS’. No Action/Action<br />

Required<br />

(Delete as appropriate)<br />

Decision made by:……………..….. Signature:…………………….. Date/Time:……….…<br />

60


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

APPENDIX 6<br />

STREET ENVIRONMENT<br />

WINTER SERVICE DAILY OPERATIONAL & DEFECT REPORT (2010/11)<br />

ACTIVATED DAY...……………....DATE…………………TIME……………..ACTUAL WEATHER ENCOUNTERED.<br />

WEATHER ENCOUNTERED.<br />

ALFA<br />

BRAVO<br />

CHARLIE<br />

DELTA<br />

ACTION TAKEN: PRECAUTIONARY 10 g/m 2 ICE 20 g/m 2 SNOW 40 g/m 2<br />

DRIVER & MATES<br />

NAMES<br />

REG NO. FLEET NO PHONE<br />

HW 1 Phone number<br />

HW 2 Phone number<br />

HW 3 Phone number<br />

HW 4 Phone number<br />

HW 5 Phone number<br />

HW 6 Phone number<br />

HW 7 Phone number<br />

PHONE & TORCH (TO BE<br />

RETURNED AFTER EACH RUN)<br />

1<br />

3+13+Hill hospital<br />

South<br />

2<br />

2+6+9+14<br />

South<br />

3<br />

4+8+11+15<br />

South<br />

4<br />

5+7+10+12<br />

South<br />

5<br />

1+2+8+9<br />

North<br />

6<br />

3+4+5+11<br />

North<br />

7<br />

6+7+10+12<br />

North<br />

DETAILS OF DEFECT<br />

IF NONE X<br />

HW 8 Phone number<br />

Width restrictions & bridges<br />

61


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

Highway ‘Out <strong>of</strong> Hours’ Call Out Officer Rota<br />

APPENDIX 7<br />

Details <strong>of</strong> the Highway ‘Out <strong>of</strong> Hours’ Call Out Officer, has been removed from this<br />

document, as they are for operational use only.<br />

62


WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

APPENDIX 8<br />

34BAdjoining Highway Authorities and Contacts<br />

Duty Officers: - Details <strong>of</strong> individual duty rotas are for operational use only and are detailed in<br />

the RBK Duty Officers emergency file.<br />

Transport for <strong>London</strong><br />

Responsible for the following roads within the <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong>;<br />

A30 (part), A4 (part), A312 (part) and A40 (part)<br />

South and East Stewardship Commission – Mouchel Parkman.<br />

Contact – Kevin Bishop 07889 097284 – Winter Service Operational Plan.<br />

Slough <strong>Borough</strong> Council.<br />

Included in our routes – Bath Road.<br />

Contact:<br />

Slough <strong>Borough</strong> Council,<br />

Town Hall<br />

Bath Rd,<br />

Slough,<br />

SL1 3UQ<br />

Tel: 01753 475111<br />

E-mail: Hcontactus@epsom-ewell.gov.uk<br />

35BSurrey County Council<br />

Responsible for roads (included in our routes) adjoining; A3044.<br />

Contact:<br />

Surrey County Council,<br />

County Hall,<br />

Penhyrn Road,<br />

KINGSTON UPON TAMES,<br />

Surrey.<br />

KT1 2DY.<br />

Tel: 020 8541 9896<br />

36BHertfordshire County Council<br />

Responsible for roads (included in our routes) adjoining; A404, Harefield Road, White Hill,<br />

Kewferry Road, Eastbury Avenue, Watford Road, Oxhey Drive<br />

Contact:<br />

Hertfordshire County Council<br />

County Hall<br />

Pegs Lane<br />

Hertford SG13 8DQ<br />

Tel: 0300 123 4047<br />

E-mail: hertsdirect@hertscc.gov.uk<br />

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WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

APPENDIX 8<br />

37Buckinghamshire County Council<br />

Responsible for roads (included in our routes) adjoining; A4020 – Oxford Road, Slough<br />

Road, B470 – Iver Lane, Ford Lane, Thorney Mill Road.<br />

Contact:<br />

Buckinghamshire County Council<br />

Walton Street,<br />

Aylesbury,<br />

Buckinghamshire<br />

HP20 1UA Tel.<br />

Tel: 0845 3708090, Emergency Response Team on 01296 486630<br />

E-mail: Htfb@buckscc.gov.uk<br />

<strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> Harrow<br />

Responsible for roads (included in our routes) adjoining; - Potter Street, Rickmansworth<br />

Road, Cuckoo Hill, Eastcote Road, Eastern Avenue, Eastcote Lane, Eastcote Lane North.<br />

Contact:<br />

<strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> Harrow,<br />

PO Box 57,<br />

Station Road,<br />

Harrow,<br />

HA1 2XF.<br />

Tel: 020 8424 1886<br />

E-mail: Hhighways@harrow.gov.uk<br />

38B<strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> Ealing<br />

Responsible for roads (included in our routes) adjoining; - Kingshill Avenue, Yeading Lane,<br />

Broadmead Road, A4020 – The Broadway.<br />

Contact:<br />

<strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> Ealing,<br />

Perceval House,<br />

14-16 Uxbridge Road,<br />

Ealing,<br />

W5 2HL.<br />

Tel: (020) 8825 6222, 8am-6pm or (020) 8825 5000 (after hours).<br />

E-mail: Hcustomers@ealing.gov.uk<br />

<strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> Hounslow<br />

Responsible for roads (included in our routes) adjoining; - Park Lane.<br />

Contact:<br />

Highways Maintenance Team<br />

<strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> Hounslow<br />

Civic Centre<br />

Lampton Road<br />

Hounslow<br />

TW3 4DN<br />

Tel:020 8583 5555<br />

Fax:020 8583 4913<br />

Hhighways@hounslow.gov.uk<br />

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WINTER SERVICE OPERATIONAL PLAN<br />

APPENDIX 9<br />

39BWeather Terminology<br />

40BAccretion<br />

The build-up <strong>of</strong> snow on objects such as overhead cables, road signs and tree branches. It<br />

occurs when wet snow with temperatures close to freezing is accompanied by a strong wind.<br />

The wet snow freezes on to objects under pressure <strong>of</strong> the wind. The build up <strong>of</strong> snow can be<br />

quite large, and can cause damage to cables and trees.<br />

41BAir Frost<br />

This occurs when air temperatures, (measured between one and two metres above the<br />

ground) fall below 0 o C.<br />

42Black Ice<br />

Clear ice forms on roads due to the freezing <strong>of</strong> standing water. Occasionally it may be<br />

formed by the transformation <strong>of</strong> hoarfrost, under pressure from car tyres. The name black<br />

ice is used, as the road blacktop can be seen through the clear ice. The term is much<br />

beloved by the media, but is used less frequently in road weather forecasts.<br />

43Blustery<br />

Used to describe showers that are accompanied by strong gusts <strong>of</strong> wind.<br />

4BClimatic domain<br />

An area <strong>of</strong> a county with broadly similar climatic characteristics, e.g., an urban area, or a high<br />

level area, or a coastal area (see Forecast site).<br />

45BCondensation<br />

This is the change <strong>of</strong> state <strong>of</strong> water vapour to liquid water, thus forming a thin film or mist <strong>of</strong><br />

water on surfaces such as roads. During the process, heat is released (see Dew point).<br />

46BConfidence Factor<br />

Used by weather forecast organisations to give guidance to highway engineers on the<br />

likelihood <strong>of</strong> forecasts having to be subsequently amended. Confidence HIGH means that<br />

amends are unlikely, and confidence LOW that amends are likely. Some use is made <strong>of</strong><br />

MEDIUM confidence, although usage is discouraged, as it can be confusing.<br />

47BDamped<br />

This is the thermal map type that occurs on cloudy, windy nights. Temperature differences<br />

along a stretch <strong>of</strong> road are at a minimum, (see Thermal map).<br />

Deposition<br />

This term covers the change <strong>of</strong> state from water vapour to ice without going through the<br />

liquid water stage, (see Hoar frost).<br />

48BDew<br />

Liquid water formed on a surface by condensation from the atmosphere.<br />

49BDew Point<br />

The temperature to which a sample <strong>of</strong> air must be cooled for condensation to take place.<br />

Dew point can be measured directly by instrumentation, e.g., road sensors.<br />

50BDrifting<br />

The movement <strong>of</strong> snow (usually powder snow) under the influences <strong>of</strong> wind. Snow need not<br />

be actually falling for drifting to take place.<br />

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51BDrizzle<br />

Small droplets that fall from low cloud. Drizzle can last for several hours and cover a large<br />

area, or be intermittent and localised.<br />

52BDry Adiabatic<br />

The temperature fall with height within a sample <strong>of</strong> air before its lapse rate becomes<br />

saturated. The rate <strong>of</strong> fall is 0.98 o C per 100m, (around 3 o C per 1,000 feet).<br />

53BDry Frost<br />

The road surface is at 0 o C or below, with most roads expected to be dry. However, ice may<br />

form due to seepage, burst pipes or in known hollows where moisture persists.<br />

54BEvaporation<br />

The change <strong>of</strong> state from water to water vapour. The process takes in heat and causes<br />

cooling, (see Latent heat).<br />

5BExtreme<br />

The thermal map type that occurs on calm, clear nights. Temperature differences along a<br />

stretch <strong>of</strong> road tend to be at their maximum, (see Thermal map).<br />

56BFlash Frost<br />

The rapid build up <strong>of</strong> hoar frost on roads around sunrise. Roads can change from dry to a<br />

significant cover <strong>of</strong> hoarfrost within 15 minutes, (see Hoar frost).<br />

57BFog<br />

The suspension <strong>of</strong> water droplets in air at or close to the ground.<br />

Forecast Site<br />

A road sensor site for which a graphical forecast is provided. It is usual to have one forecast<br />

site per climatic domain, (see Climatic domain).<br />

58BFreezing Fog<br />

Fog which forms when air temperatures are below freezing. The fog droplets remain in the<br />

liquid state, but will freeze on contact with trees and other objects, and under some<br />

circumstances the road surface, (see Rime).<br />

59BFreezing Point<br />

The temperature at which pure water will change to ice, (although strictly it is the temperature<br />

at which ice melts), in practice, 0.0 o C.<br />

60BFreezing<br />

A very dangerous condition where raindrops, (from warmer air above) from rain/drizzle fall on<br />

to surfaces below freezing, thus freezing instantly and causing widespread ice. Fortunately,<br />

rare in the UK. Most likely to occur at the end <strong>of</strong> a prolonged spell <strong>of</strong> cold weather.<br />

61BFrequent<br />

Used in conjunction with showers. The term frequent showers imply that nearly all areas will<br />

catch a shower, and many places will see more than one shower, (see Isolated and<br />

Scattered).<br />

62BFrost<br />

A generic term to cover temperatures below freezing. Where these temperatures occur<br />

describes the type <strong>of</strong> frost, (air frost, ground frost, road frost etc). The rather loose term <strong>of</strong><br />

‘frost’ is rarely used in road weather forecasts without qualifying it.<br />

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Note that the word frost does not supply deposition on a road surface. The deposition <strong>of</strong> ice<br />

crystals on to a road surface is known specifically as hoar frost, (see Hoar frost).<br />

63BGale<br />

Mean wind speed <strong>of</strong> 39 mph or more, or with gusts to 49 mph or more. A severe gale has a<br />

mean wind <strong>of</strong> 45 mph or more, or has gusts to 70 mph or more.<br />

64BGround Frost<br />

This term is used to describe occasions when temperatures on the ground, (as opposed to in<br />

the air) fall below freezing. The <strong>of</strong>ficial meteorological definition uses the temperature over<br />

short mown grass. The term has little relevance to winter maintenance, which is concerned<br />

specifically with road temperatures. The term ‘ground frost’ hear on media forecasts, (TV,<br />

radio) does not guarantee that there will also be a road frost.<br />

Hail<br />

Precipitation in the form <strong>of</strong> balls or pieces <strong>of</strong> ice. Usually occurs in showers.<br />

65BHoar Frost<br />

Deposition <strong>of</strong> water vapour directly as ice on to ground surfaces. The ice forms as white<br />

crystals and is usually highly visible. Hoar frost is more common over grass than on roads.<br />

Hoar frost on roads may quickly change to clear ice under pressure from car tyres.<br />

6BIce<br />

A generic term for frozen water. In winter maintenance terms usually refers to clear ice on<br />

road surfaces, (see Black ice).<br />

67BIcy Patches<br />

Used in road weather forecasts to indicate ice formation in prone areas only, (gutters, dips in<br />

the road surface, etc.).<br />

68BIcy Stretches<br />

Used in road weather forecasts to indicate more-widespread ice.<br />

69BIsolated<br />

Used in conjunction with showers. Isolated showers imply that most places will stay dry, but<br />

somewhere within the area <strong>of</strong> coverage a shower may occur, (see Frequent and Scattered).<br />

70BIntermediate<br />

The thermal map type that occurs on nights where cloud cover, wind speed, (or both) is<br />

variable. Road temperature differences tend to lie between the Damped and extreme<br />

values, (see Thermal map).<br />

71BInterval<br />

Used to describe cloud breaks or amounts <strong>of</strong> sunshine, generally <strong>of</strong> less than one hours<br />

duration.<br />

72BLatent Heat<br />

The quantity <strong>of</strong> heat absorbed or emitted, without change <strong>of</strong> temperature, during a change <strong>of</strong><br />

state <strong>of</strong> unit mass <strong>of</strong> a material.<br />

73BMarginal<br />

This describes nights where the road temperature is expected to be very close to freezing<br />

(normally within 1 o C)<br />

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74BPeriod<br />

Used to describe the length <strong>of</strong> cloud breaks or amounts <strong>of</strong> sunshine, generally <strong>of</strong> two hours<br />

or more duration.<br />

75BPowder Snow<br />

The form <strong>of</strong> snow that occurs when air temperatures are well below freezing, (-2 o C or less).<br />

This form <strong>of</strong> snow is very fine (like sugar crystals), drifts very easily, but does not tend to<br />

stick to objects, (no accretion). It can be handled by snow blowers. Salt is usually less<br />

effective.<br />

76BPrecipitation<br />

A general term that covers all water (or ice), which ‘falls’ from the skies. As well as rain,<br />

sleet, snow and hail it also includes dew, hoar frost and fog.<br />

7BPrecipitation Type<br />

The individual type <strong>of</strong> precipitation. In winter maintenance activities, this will be one <strong>of</strong> rain,<br />

drizzle, sleet, wet snow, dry snow, hail, freezing rain and freezing drizzle, (see Precipitation).<br />

78BProlonged<br />

Used to describe showers that merge together producing a spell or continuous precipitation,<br />

generally lasting more than one hour and covering a relatively large area.<br />

79BRain<br />

Water droplets that fall from clouds. Rain takes many forms, and can be <strong>of</strong> many different<br />

intensities and duration’s. Within road weather forecasts there will <strong>of</strong>ten be differentiation<br />

between rain and showers, the former usually referring to longer-lived but light intensity<br />

precipitation, and the latter to short duration but heavy intensity.<br />

80BRelative Humidity<br />

This is the amount <strong>of</strong> actual water vapour held in a sample <strong>of</strong> air at a given temperature,<br />

divided by the maximum amount <strong>of</strong> water that could be held in that sample <strong>of</strong> air at that<br />

temperature, expressed as a percentage. Within fog or heavy rain, humidities may reach<br />

100%. On a sunny, warm afternoon in summer, humidities may fall to 30%. On an average<br />

night in winter, humidities rarely fall below 80%, (which is the minimum humidity at which salt<br />

crystals will start to absorb water).<br />

81BRime<br />

Deposition <strong>of</strong> ice from freezing fog. It is a white form <strong>of</strong> ice, similar to hoar frost, but has a<br />

finer (at times feathery), structure. On roads, tends to be more <strong>of</strong> a problem at higher levels<br />

than lower levels.<br />

RST<br />

Common abbreviation for road surface temperature. Saturated Air is said to be saturated<br />

when, at a given temperature, it holds the maximum amount <strong>of</strong> water vapour possible. Any<br />

cooling below its current temperature will result in condensation. The relative humidity <strong>of</strong><br />

saturated air is 100%.<br />

Saturated<br />

The rate at which air temperature falls with height within adiabatic lapse saturated air, e.g.,<br />

within fog or cloud. It is less than the rate dry adiabatic lapse rate, 0.49 o C per 100 metres or<br />

around 1.5 o C per 1,000 feet.<br />

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82BScattered<br />

Used in conjunction with shower. Scattered showers imply that wide covering <strong>of</strong> showers<br />

across an area is expected. Most places will see a shower but one or two locations may stay<br />

dry, (see Frequent and Isolated).<br />

83BSeepage<br />

Leakage <strong>of</strong> ground water from roadside verges. Can cause roads to become wet, when<br />

otherwise they would have stayed dry, possibly leading to ice formation later.<br />

84BShower<br />

A short spell <strong>of</strong> precipitation, generally less than an hour, and covering a relatively small<br />

area. It can be assumed that a shower will be <strong>of</strong> rain unless qualified by the words snow,<br />

hail or wintry.<br />

85BSleet<br />

Partially melted snow. If precipitation becomes heavy, sleet may readily turn to snow.<br />

Snow<br />

A form <strong>of</strong> precipitation where tiny ice crystals bond together into flakes. Snow can be either<br />

<strong>of</strong> Wet or Powder forms.<br />

86BSpell<br />

Used to describe the length <strong>of</strong> cloud breaks or amount <strong>of</strong> sunshine, generally between one<br />

and two hours duration.<br />

87BThermal<br />

The temperature trace along a road surface, (usually Fingerprint Recorded by an infrared<br />

thermometer during a thermal mapping run). Regardless <strong>of</strong> the mean temperature <strong>of</strong> the<br />

trace, it shows the thermal characteristics <strong>of</strong> the road surface (warm and cold spots).<br />

Thermal Map<br />

The representation <strong>of</strong> relative variations in road surface minimum temperature for each <strong>of</strong><br />

three weather categories, presented in colour bands, (usually 1 o C).<br />

8BThermal Map Type<br />

Defined as damped, or intermediate or extreme (see previous entries). When using thermal<br />

maps in the forecast mode, the weather forecast organisations will send the thermal map<br />

type with the ice prediction graph.<br />

89BTrend<br />

The likely direction in which the weather is moving over the next two to five days, e.g.,<br />

‘turning much colder with night frosts’ or ‘remaining mild and windy’.<br />

90BWash Off<br />

This occurs when rain is sufficiently heavy to remove salt solution from the road surface.<br />

91BWater Vapour<br />

Water in its gaseous state.<br />

92BWet Snow<br />

Snow, which falls with air temperatures close to freezing point. It melts easily and can be<br />

very sticky (see Accretion). It is more common in the UK than the other variant <strong>of</strong> powder<br />

snow.<br />

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93BWidespread<br />

Used to describe showers. Implies that nearly all areas will see a shower and some areas<br />

may see more than one (see Frequent).<br />

94BWintry<br />

This term covers precipitation, which contains ice in one <strong>of</strong> its many variants, (sleet, wet<br />

snow, hail). The term is used extensively in media forecasts, (e.g. wintry showers are<br />

expected, showers will turn wintry over hills). However, the term is ambiguous in road<br />

weather terms and hence any precipitation containing ice will be described more fully, with<br />

likely effects on the road.<br />

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APPENDIX 10<br />

15BSelf Care -<br />

Guidelines for Highway Users during winter<br />

95BIntroduction<br />

<strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong> has a duty to ensure that snow or ice does not endanger the<br />

safe passage along a highway. The law recognises that all highways cannot be treated and<br />

recommends that a prioritised approach should be adopted.<br />

<strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong> has developed a Winter Service Operational Plan to provide<br />

reasonable service during the winter period. It is also reasonable to expect highway users to<br />

take care during the winter months to reduce the chance <strong>of</strong> mishap caused by wintry<br />

conditions.<br />

To help focus on what can be done by an individual to prepare for their journeys the following<br />

guidelines have been set:<br />

96BInformation on <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong> Winter Operational Service<br />

It is important to know the service that <strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong> undertakes during the<br />

winter period.<br />

Check the Operational Plan out by visiting the Hwww.hillingdon.gov.ukH website.<br />

Details <strong>of</strong> the roads and footways that are included for treatment and the location <strong>of</strong> salt bins<br />

are included.<br />

97BWeather Forecast<br />

• Stay informed <strong>of</strong> the latest weather forecasts through broadcasts on the radio or<br />

television and try to predict how these may effect you over the coming few days.<br />

• Discuss and exchange information with your family and friends.<br />

• Is your journey essential?<br />

• If the forecast is for severe wintry conditions, is it reasonable to consider whether a<br />

journey is essential.<br />

• Can it be delayed? - If it is essential take time to prepare for it.<br />

• Try to avoid periods <strong>of</strong> darkness particularly for journeys in remote areas.<br />

• Choosing the best route<br />

• Try to keep to the major routes and bus routes, which are set as the top priorities for<br />

treatment in the Plan.<br />

• Clothing and Footwear<br />

• It is so important to wear appropriate footwear and clothing during the winter period to<br />

reduce the chance <strong>of</strong> accident or discomfort. A pair <strong>of</strong> strong shoes or boots with<br />

treads allowing good grip on surfaces is essential.<br />

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Walking<br />

If your journey is on foot then keep to the centre <strong>of</strong> the footways and cross at controlled<br />

points. Be aware <strong>of</strong> where your nearest salt bin is and read the instructions within the Plan<br />

for its use and purpose.<br />

98BDriving<br />

The Highway Code provides rules to apply to all road users and some are legal<br />

requirements. It is essential reading and a selection <strong>of</strong> those relating to winter conditions are<br />

included below.<br />

Prepare your vehicle in advance <strong>of</strong> winter and ensure that the battery is well maintained and<br />

that there are appropriate anti-freeze agents in your radiator and windscreen bottle.<br />

The following are legal requirements:<br />

• Before you set <strong>of</strong>f you must be able to see so clear all <strong>of</strong> the ice and snow from all <strong>of</strong><br />

the windows.<br />

• You must ensure that lights and number plates are clean.<br />

• Make sure that the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly.<br />

• When driving in snowy weather.<br />

• Drive with care even if the roads have been salted.<br />

• Keep well back from the vehicle in front as stopping distances can be ten times<br />

greater than on dry roads.<br />

• Be prepared for the road conditions changing over relatively short distances.<br />

• Drive extremely carefully in icy conditions and avoid sudden actions as these could<br />

cause a skid.<br />

• Drive at a slow speed in a high gear as possible and brake and accelerate very<br />

gently.<br />

• Drive slowly particularly on bends where skids are more likely. Brake progressively<br />

on a straight before you reach the bend and having slowed down steer smoothly<br />

around the bend.<br />

• Check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe<br />

place to brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice and<br />

your vehicle losing grip on the road. When travelling on ice tyres make virtually no<br />

noise.<br />

• During extreme/severe weather if your journey is essential carry a spade, a warm<br />

drink and emergency food in case your vehicle breaks down.<br />

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APPENDIX 11<br />

Salt Bins - Guidelines for Their Use.<br />

<strong>London</strong> <strong>Borough</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Hillingdon</strong> has developed a Winter Service Operational Plan, which<br />

details the range <strong>of</strong> services for the salting <strong>of</strong> the highway during the winter period. Part <strong>of</strong><br />

the service is to provide salt bins in various locations on footways and verges.<br />

The following questions and answers provide useful information to residents and guidelines<br />

for using salt bins:<br />

9BWhat are salt bins?<br />

Salt bins are plastic containers located on footway or verges, which hold naturally occurring<br />

rock salt for use during the winter period. The bins are not locked and are easily accessible.<br />

10BWhat is their purpose?<br />

They are to be used by residents to spread salt onto the highway surfaces (normally<br />

footways) during severe winter conditions to prevent or treat the formation <strong>of</strong> ice and snow.<br />

During severe winter conditions the many <strong>of</strong> the carriageways will be treated by purpose built<br />

salting vehicles as part <strong>of</strong> the secondary route network and therefore whilst salt from salt bins<br />

can be used for carriageways there is less urgency to do so.<br />

101BWhere are they located?<br />

They are generally located in quieter roads in places where the footways are steep or where<br />

extreme problems are known to exist. The roads have not been included within the priority<br />

route network for footways. Details can be found within the Winter Service Operational Plan<br />

either at a local library, or alternatively, at the hillingdon.gov.uk website.<br />

102BHow do you spread the salt?<br />

It is important to wear appropriate clothing to minimise the chance <strong>of</strong> accident or discomfort<br />

caused by the cold weather. A pair <strong>of</strong> strong shoes or boots with treads allowing good grip<br />

on surfaces is essential. A pair <strong>of</strong> gloves with good grip is also recommended. A garden<br />

spade or shovel and a small stick would be adequate for spreading the salt. Try not to over<br />

load the spade. Hold the spade in one hand and the small stick in the other and use the stick<br />

to flick the salt onto the surface moving left and right to cover the area in an even layer. Do<br />

not over salt the surface – the salt does not need to be spread like sand. A volume the size<br />

<strong>of</strong> a bag <strong>of</strong> sugar is more than sufficient to treat ten paces <strong>of</strong> footway length. Be careful not<br />

to spread over the grass verges. For areas away from the salt bin a wheelbarrow, if<br />

available, is useful to transport some salt.<br />

103BWhen is the time to spread salt?<br />

Ideally in advance <strong>of</strong> predicted extreme conditions. Keep abreast <strong>of</strong> the latest weather<br />

forecasts through broadcasts on the radio or television. It is difficult to remove ice once it<br />

has formed. To be effective in snow conditions the snow needs to be cleared in advance by<br />

spades or brooms.<br />

104BOther considerations!<br />

The salt bins are not locked and people need to be encouraged not to place litter into them or<br />

put graffiti onto the surfaces.<br />

If any damage is caused to the salt bins, or they need refilling then please phone the<br />

Customer Contact Centre on 01895 556000.<br />

If you require any further advice then contact the Customer Contact Centre on 01895<br />

556000.<br />

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16BChanges to Winter Service Operational Plan<br />

APPENDIX 12<br />

Changes from Each year the Winter Service Operational Plan is updated to take account <strong>of</strong><br />

changes that are needed to ensure that the Winter Service continues to operate in an<br />

efficient way. Minor changes are influenced by information/observations received from a<br />

variety <strong>of</strong> sources, including, from the contractor’s vehicle driver’s reports, winter<br />

maintenance <strong>of</strong>ficers, councillors, residents and highway users within the <strong>Borough</strong>. Since<br />

last year only one minor change has taken place, with the addition <strong>of</strong> 2 minor roads to the<br />

secondary routes. However, during the three years prior to this, several significant,<br />

externally influenced, changes had occurred leading to a comprehensive review <strong>of</strong> the Plan.<br />

The introduction <strong>of</strong> new legislation (Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003) now places a<br />

duty on a highway authority to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that safe passage<br />

along a highway is not endangered by snow or ice. This legislation came into force on 31 st<br />

October 2003.<br />

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