Item 10 - Appendix 2
West Dunbartonshire Council · 21 May 2025
Back to Infrastructure, Regeneration & Economic Development Committee — 21 May 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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Assessment No 1275 Owner liam.greene Resource Transformation Service Education, Learning & Attainment FirstName Surname Job Title Head Officer Liam Greene Roads and Transportation Manager Members Gail MacFarlane, Chief Officer Roads and Neighbourhood Hugh Campbell, Road Operations Coordinator (Please note: the word 'policy' is used as shorthand for strategy policy function or financial decision) Policy Title Winter Plan The aim, objective, purpose and intended out come of policy The main proposals of the Winter Roads Services Policy is to outline the operational arrangements of the Council in delivering these services. This includes details of the hours of service; prioritised routes; type of plant and equipment; and type and quantity of salt used in treatment. Service/Partners/Stakeholders/service users involved in the development and/or implementation of policy. Transport Scotland Amey Neighbouring Authorities Does the proposals involve the procurement of any goods or services? Yes If yes please confirm that you have contacted our procurement services to discuss your requirements. No SCREENING You must indicate if there is any relevance to the four areas Duty to eliminate discrimination (E), advance equal opportunities (A) or foster good relations (F) Yes Relevance to Human Rights (HR) Yes Relevance to Health Impacts (H) Yes Relevance to Social Economic Impacts (SE) Yes Who will be affected by this policy? All users of WDC Public Road network are affected by the policy and service. This includes vehicle drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. Who will be/has been involved in the consultation process? Key internal staff are consulted during the process of reviewing the policy annually ITEM 10 - APPENDIX 2
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Please outline any particular need/barriers which equality groups may have in relation to this policy list evidence you are using to support this and whether there is any negative impact on particular groups. Specific group to consider Needs Evidence Impact Age The elderly, disabled, the young could be more at risk from the affects of frozen roads and disrupted services. The affected group are less likely to be able to help themselves in severe weather conditions such as being stranded while travelling or in accessing key medical, fuel and food supplies. Schools are often affected by closures during severe snow events due to the inability of staff & pupils to access schools and colleges. Positive for children, as school routes prioritised. Potentially positive for older people who use buses more. The affected group are less likely to be able to help themselves in severe weather conditions such as being stranded while travelling or in accessing key medical, fuel and food supplies. Schools are often affected by closures during severe snow events due to the inability of staff & pupils to access schools and colleges. Disability There is a need to ensure that those with disabilities are not disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change - notably being excluded from fairer and equal access to Sustainable Transport alternatives such as public transport Vulnerable people, could be more at risk from the affects of frozen roads and disrupted services. The affected group are less likely to be able to help themselves in severe weather conditions. Disabled people are more reliant on public transport and there is a need to ensure that access is maintained for access to local services and amenities to ensure easy accessibility. Ensure inclusive and equitable road travel for all. Including people with health conditions, those with different socio and economic needs, and the elderly. Gender Reassign There is a need to ensure that all trans people are not disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change - notably being excluded from fairer and equal access to Sustainable Transport alternatives such as public transport. Sustainable Transport must feel safe and for all trans people use such transport or active travel alternatives without feeling threatened and/or alienated. Trans people are more likely to be more dependent on public transport. The effective and efficient Winter Plan has a positive affect all on citizens. Marriage & Civil Partnership
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Pregnancy & Maternity There is a need to ensure that people who are pregnant or are on maternity are not being excluded from fairer and equal access to public transport and local amenities People who are pregnant require better quality and adapted public transport and routes that are safe, in good condition and allow for easier access to local amenities The effective and efficient Winter Plan has a positive affect all on citizens and improve quality of routes and access to public transport for those who are pregnant or have young children. Race We need to assess potential differential impacts, including how these interact with economic and social factor Most BME groups have less access to cars than most white ethnic groups The effective and efficient Winter Plan has a positive affect all on citizens. Religion and Belief Sex There is a need to ensure that all sexes including other genders (nonbinary (e.g., genderqueer, genderfluid, etc.) or ungendered (e.g., agender, genderless)) are not disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change - notably being excluded from fairer and equal access to Sustainable Transport alternatives such as public transport. Sustainable Transport must feel safe and allow for women and other non cisgender sexes to use such transport or active travel alternatives without feeling threatened and/or alienated. Women are less likely to have access to cars, and more likely to to rely on public transport. Women are more likely to be care givers. Women are more likely to have care of children and use buggies and prams. Positive. Statistics show that more females use buses, shopping centres and are more likely to take children to school Sexual Orientation
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Human Rights There is a need to ensure policies/projects/actions consider human rights, including Human Rights Act and UNCRC requirements. It is essential that the views and needs of children and also considered. here is a need to ensure that all people of any gender genders (nonbinary (e.g., genderqueer, genderfluid, etc.) or ungendered (e.g., agender, genderless)) are not disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change - notably being excluded from fairer and equal access to Sustainable Transport alternatives such as public transport. Sustainable Transport must feel safe and allow for all people to use such transport or active travel alternatives without feeling threatened and/or alienated. Improved connectivity and safer streets increase access to jobs, services, and leisure activities, enabling individuals to exercise their right to movement. Right to Non- Discrimination ensures equal access for all groups, regardless of gender, age, disability, or socioeconomic background. This may include considering the safety of vulnerable populations. Positive, an effective Winter Plan ensures access to sustainable transportation options, reducing emissions, and creating greener, more livable urban spaces. It will provide safer streets and more reliable public services and improve the overall road condition Health There is a need to ensure policies/projects/actions consider human rights. It is essential that the views and needs of children and also considered. Use of road infrastructure can be hindered by safety concerns which limits where, who, and when people are willing to travel. Positive - use of road infrastructure can be hindered by safety concerns which limits where, who, and when people are willing to travel. Ensure inclusive and equitable access to a safe road network for all. Including people with health conditions, those with different socio and economic needs, and the elderly.
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Social & Economic Impact Need to have regard to the Fairer Scotland Duty and any likely socio-economic impacts We need to consider the Scottish Consumer Duty Fewer households in West Dunbartonshire own private vehicles than the national average, showing an existing reliance on public transport. Difficulty could be experienced in carrying their work or business due to a lack of full road network access. Safer and more attractive local environments were expected to encourage more social interaction There is no evidence of potential harm to consumers The winter maintenance service supports positive socio-economic impacts by taking reasonable steps to prevent snow and ice from endangering safe passage of pedestrians, cyclists and other road users. It will ensure that key infrastructure and location of strategic importance remain accessible throughout the winter season We are satisfied that there is nothing in the plan that would have any relevance to the Scottish Consumer Duty that is not already in effect meet the rest of the assessment. Cross Cutting Important to consider cross cutting effects Evidence shows benefits for various groups Crossing cutting positive benefits
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Actions
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Policy has a negative impact on an equality group,but is still to be implemented, please provide justification for this. A reduction in footway gritting may have an impact on some users however a more consistent approach to the distribution of grit bins will assist more residents Will the impact of the policy be monitored and reported on an ongoing bases? Policy will be reviewed annually to identify and lessons learned from the previous winter or to review issues highlighted over the winter season Q7 What is you recommendation for this policy? Intoduce Please provide a meaningful summary of how you have reached the recommendation EIA 1275: There will be likely positive impacts for some protected groups especially women and disabled people and younger and older people. Human Rights and health and social/economic areas may also benefit. A reduction in footway gritting may have an impact on some users however a more consistent approach to the distribution of grit bins will assist more residents.