Roads Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2024-25
North Ayrshire Council · 3 December 2024
Back to Cabinet — 3 December 2024 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
Page 1
NORTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL 03 December 2024 Cabinet Title: Roads Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2024/25 Purpose: To seek approval from Cabinet for the Roads Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2024/25. Recommendation: That Cabinet (a) approves the Roads Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2024/25; and (b) notes the preparations and actions taken which are contained in the Winter Preparation Action Plan. 1. Executive Summary 1.1 North Ayrshire Council has a statutory obligation, under Section 34 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, to take such steps as it considers reasonable to prevent snow and ice endangering the safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles over public roads which by definition includes carriageways, footways, footpaths, pedestrian precincts, etc. 1.2 The Council is also responsible for the management and operation of the coastal flood protection controls at Largs and Saltcoats. The Council will close the flood gates on the promenades and erect the flood barriers at Largs Pier in advance of predicted severe weather with minimum disruption to promenade users and the Largs to Cumbrae ferry. Coastal flooding can occur at any time and, accordingly, the Council provides this service throughout the year. 1.3 A review of the Council's Winter & Weather Emergencies Service was undertaken over the summer months. The 2024/25 Winter Preparation Action Plan has been developed to ensure adequate preparations and effective arrangements are in place for 2024/25. The Winter Preparation Action Plan is included at Appendix 1. 1.4 The Roads Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2024/25 is contained at Appendix 2. 2. Background 2.1 In its statutory role as the local Roads Authority, the aim of North Ayrshire Council in respect of its winter service and weather emergencies is to: • provide a standard of service on public roads which will permit safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions. • establish a pattern of working which will keep delays, diversions, or road closures to a minimum during adverse weather conditions. • conduct operations having regard to the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and any other relevant enactments.
Page 2
2.2 Separately, the Trunk Road Network is the responsibility of Transport Scotland and their management contractor, Amey. The Trunk Road network includes the A78, the A737 from Kilwinning to the Renfrewshire Boundary and A738 from the Pennyburn Roundabout to the A737 Dalry Road, Kilwinning. 2.3 All winter gritting and snow clearing operations on the Trunk Road Network are the responsibility of Amey. The Council’s Roads Team do however liaise on a regular basis with the trunk road operator during periods of adverse weather in order to provide the best possible seamless service to the travelling public. 2.4 The Council’s current updated Winter Preparation Action Plan 2024/25 highlights a number of key areas where preparation arrangements are being reviewed and refreshed: • Salt supply resilience, storage and capacity • Resilience arrangements • Grit bins/community resilience 2.5 Whilst the Council's primary focus is on our Priority Network, our communities have an expectation of wider assistance during extreme weather, for example in and around schools, in residential streets, car parking areas etc. There are approximately 500 grit bins provided on the road network. Salt is also available from a number of supply points throughout the Council area. Details of planned winter treatments are posted on the Council’s website. In addition, details of disruption to the road network caused by adverse weather are also posted on the website. In periods of severe weather Elected Members are also provided with regular service updates. 2.6 Road hazard weather forecasting is provided through a collaborative contract led by South Lanarkshire Council. Weather Forecast provider, MetDesk Limited, is appointed as the weather forecast provider. During the winter period MetDesk Limited will provide the weather forecasting service and monitor road and weather conditions. 2.7 The Council’s gritting routes have been developed from thermal mapping of the road network. Thermal mapping is a process by which the variation of minimum night-time road surface temperature is measured, and this provides the temperature relationship across the whole network, identifying those sections of the road which are likely to freeze first. Thermal Mapping identifies colder roads and enables selective targeting of those areas in need of treatment. Our gritting routes are unchanged for this winter, details of each Priority route are provided on the Council’s web pages at: http://www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/winter-gritting.aspx 2.8 Priority 1 routes will be treated on receipt of an adverse weather forecast as detailed in the decision-making matrix contained in Appendix C of the Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2024/25. 2.9 Priority 2 routes will be treated in addition to Priority 1 routes when sub-zero temperatures are forecast to extend beyond midday and will be treated following completion of Priority 1 routes. Generally, the treatment of Priority 2 routes will commence at 8.00am however appropriate treatment may be instructed at any time depending on conditions. 2.10 Priority 3 routes will generally only be treated following severe weather or when sub- zero conditions are forecast to continue over an extended period. They will be treated as resources permit only after all Priority 1 and Priority 2 routes are clear unless identified as an emergency.
Page 3
2.11 Operational resources from Neighbourhood Services (Roads and Streetscene) will be provided for the Winter and Weather Emergencies Service. The stand-by period for carriageway treatments will be 10 October 2024 until 10 April 2025. This period may be extended beyond the given dates if required. These arrangements include home stand- by which is activated by the designated Winter Supervisor when instructed by the Winter Controller or as the result of hazardous road conditions being reported. Arrangements have also been made with Streetscene to assist with the treatment of priority footways over the winter season and stand-by arrangements are also in place with Streetscene to treat footways, when necessary, at weekends from 23 November 2024 through to 2 February 2025 and over the festive holiday period. Generally, the treatment of footways will commence at 8.00am. 2.12 Last winter season, which was generally a mild winter the Service used 5,848 tonnes of salt, this was similar to the previous year when we used 5,097 tonnes of salt treating the road network, however in winter 2020/21, which was a colder winter, the Service used 8,153 tonnes of salt during the winter. A total of approximately 7,000 tonnes of salt will be stored at our Goldcraigs Depot and 2,400 tonnes at our Market Road Depot on Arran, complying with the salt stock levels agreed with the West of Scotland Regional Resilience Partnership (WoSRRP). In addition, salt will be distributed to Streetscene Depots to assist with the treatment of footways. Salt usage will be monitored weekly and stocks will be augmented if necessary. 2.13 The role of communities to provide their own resilience is recognised and grit bins will be replenished to allow communities to self-help during periods of adverse weather within available resources over the winter period. 2.14 Similar to last winter, winter treatment decisions and any road closures due to adverse weather will be provided on the Council’s website. 2.15 A pre-winter planning meeting was held on 3 September 2024 with Managers from across Council Services. This meeting was held to ensure Services are taking the necessary steps to prepare for the severities of winter weather. 2.16 A planning exercise known as the ‘dry run’ was carried out on 4 October 2024 to check our readiness for the forthcoming winter season. 2.17 The weather stations on the A760 at Catburn, between Largs and Kilbirnie, and on the B880 String Road, Arran have been serviced and calibrated and will assist Winter Controllers and Supervisors in monitoring weather conditions. Cameras are fitted on the weather stations and images from the these are available to members of the public through the Council’s website. 2.18 Each year, a Winter Preparation Action Plan is created to ensure adequate and appropriate arrangements are being put in place for the forthcoming winter. The 2024/25 Action Plan detailed at Appendix 1 confirms all planned actions are either complete or are on target. 2.19 In critical situations should our operational resources be impacted; a reduced priority network has been developed to ensure that essential transport links can continue to be treated during adverse weather conditions. This minimum resilience network will assist in maintaining network access for vital services in extreme circumstances. 3. Proposals 3.1 Cabinet is asked to approve the Roads Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan
Page 4
2024/25 and note the preparations undertaken as detailed in the attached 2024/25 Winter Preparation Action Plan. 4. Implications/Socio-economic Duty Financial 4.1 A budget of £0.658 m has been allocated for the delivery of the Roads Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2024/25. Human Resources 4.2 The Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan will be delivered within existing resources. Legal 4.3 The Council has a statutory obligation under Section 34 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984 "to take such steps as they consider reasonable to prevent snow and ice endangering the safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles over public roads". Equality/Socio-economic 4.4 The delivery of the Winter Service maintains accessibility to our towns and communities and supports social and economic activity. Climate Change and Carbon 4.5 This report provides details of operational arrangements in place for responding to Climate and related weather emergency incidents. There are no carbon issues arising directly as a result of this report. Key Priorities 4.6 Delivery of the winter service supports the Council Plan priority of keeping North Ayrshire residents safe. Community Wealth Building 4.7 Delivery of the Winter and Weather Emergencies Service supports Community Wealth Building by maintaining a resilient road network enabling access to employment and movement of goods and services.
Page 5
5. Consultation 5.1 Consultation regarding preparations for the forthcoming winter season and the development of the Winter Action Plan was undertaken with The Ayrshire Civil Contingencies Team, Transport, Streetscene, Waste Services, Communications, Customer Services, North Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Education, Housing, suppliers, and external organisations. RUSSELL McCUTCHEON Executive Director (Place) For further information please contact Thomas Reaney, Head of Neighbourhood Services on 01294 324570. Background Papers Appendix 1 – Winter Preparation Action Plan 2024-25 Appendix 2 – Winter Service 2024-25
Page 6
1 Appendix 1 NEIGHBOURHOOD SERVICES - 2024/25 WINTER PREPARATION ACTION PLAN Service Improvement Action Existing Operation Proposed Action Timescale Progress 1.0 Policies, Procedures & Guidance 1.1 Review Existing Policy and Procedures document Winter and Weather Emergencies Procedures and Resources Document reviewed on annual basis. Review annually after each Winter Period. September 2024 Complete 2.0 Review of Existing Winter Maintenance Operations 2.1 Existing Priority Gritting Routes Priority 1 routes cover 44% of the network, Priority 2 routes cover 21% of the network. No changes proposed, review annually. September 2024 Complete 2.2 Non-Priority Routes Priority 3 routes are treated following an extended cold spell or following severe weather. No changes. September 2024 Complete 2.3 Footway Gritting Formal arrangement with Streetscene for assisting with reactive delivery of the winter service. Review annually. September 2024 Complete 2.4 Assistance from outside parties Formal arrangement in place with local contractors to assist in the event of extreme weather conditions. Review annually. Arrangements made for a contractor to provide Gritting on Cumbrae for this winter. September 2024 Complete Service Improvement Action Existing Operation Proposed Action Timescale Progress 2.5 Gritting of other Council locations Education and Housing have arrangements in place with Streetscene and Community Justice Review arrangements annually. September 2024 Complete
Page 7
2 for assistance with snow clearing and gritting. 2.6 Network Resilience Resilience network developed should drivers be depleted in extreme situations (eg. The Pandemic) Mutual aid arrangements established with neighbouring authorities Trunk Road Operator. Review annually September 2024 Complete 3.0 Winter Gritting Fleet 3.1 Winter Gritting Fleet The gritting fleet comprise 13 No. 18 tonne Econ Uni-Bodies and 1 No 7.5 Tonne Econ Uni-Bodies and 1 Trailer Gritter. 1 new 7.5 tonne Multi-spread to be provided for this winter season. Vehicles to be serviced and gritter units to be calibrated. October 2024 Complete 4.0 Operational Controls 4.1 Weather forecast provision The Council’s weather forecast service is currently procured by means of a collaborative contract with 12 other Local Authorities in the South West of Scotland. A contract is in place for this winter with MetDesk Limited, Contract was awarded for 4 years + 2 year extension option, commencing May 2023. September 2024 Complete 4.2 Ice Prediction methods North Ayrshire Council has two weather stations installed on the road network and has access to a further two weather stations in the Council area, provided by Transport Scotland, on the trunk road network. We also have access to a number of additional weather stations on our neighbouring authorities’ road network. Stations to be serviced and calibrated for start of winter season. September 2024 Complete
Page 8
3 Service Improvement Action Existing Operation Proposed Action Timescale Progress 4.3 Winter Gritting Records Records of winter instructions and operations recorded on Vaisala Manager - Winter Roads Management System. Record footway treatments undertaken. Continue to record roads winter actions on Vaisala Manager - Winter Roads Management System. September 2024 Complete 4.4 Business Continuity The provision of Winter and Weather Emergencies Procedures and Resources document is included within the Business Continuity Plan. Review Business Continuity Plan. Review Annually Complete 5.0 Salt 5.1 Salt Storage Ensure salt stock complies with Scottish Government resilience levels prior to the onset of the winter season. 7000 Tonnes of salt to be stored at Goldcraigs Depot and 2400 tonnes to be stored on Arran for start of winter season. Review Annually Complete 5.2 Salt Distribution Procedure implemented for salt distribution throughout Council Services in place at Depot. Review and ensure all staff are aware of procedures annually. Review Annually Complete 6.0 Communication 6.1 Information available to Members, Council Services, general public and other stakeholders Weather forecasts and winter decisions distributed across Services. Roads winter gritting decision posted on Council Website. Details of any road closures due to adverse weather posted on Website. Issue information to Locality Planning Partnerships. Continue to provide information on the Council website. Monitor effectiveness of information provided on the Council website. Promote Roads Winter Service during Customer Services Week and Are You Ready for Winter campaign. Oct/Nov 2024 Review Annually Review Annually Oct/Nov 2024 On target Complete On target On target
Page 9
4 7.0 Measuring Performance 7.1 Monitor performance of winter actions Performance is currently measured using APSE Performance indicators which measure efficiency in relation to documented procedures. Review annually. October 2024 On target 7.2 Monitor performance on individual routes Gritting routes optimised following thermal mapping exercise undertaken during winter season 2018/19. No changes proposed, review annually. September 2024 Complete 8.0 Training 8.1 Winter Service Training Staff trained in delivery of winter service. Identify training needs of personnel involved with the provision of the winter maintenance service. Arrange appropriate training. Review Annually Complete 8.2 Severe Weather Exercise Ayrshire Local Resilience Partnership arrange Severe Weather tabletop exercises periodically. Appropriate attendance at ALRP exercises as arranged. As arranged. Complete 9.0 Health & Safety 9.1 Toolbox Talks Toolbox talks are delivered to all personnel engaged in the delivery of the winter maintenance service. Review annually and provide toolbox talk at the start of each winter. Annually Complete
Page 10
APPENDIX 2 Neighbourhood Services Roads Winter Service and Weather Emergencies Plan 2024 to 2025 Cunninghame House Irvine Ayrshire KA12 8EE Phone: 01294 310000
Page 11
1 | P a g e Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 3 2. Priorities For Winter Treatment ................................................................................. 4 2.1.1 Carriageway Priorities ........................................................................................ 4 2.1.2 Carriageway Routes for Proactive Treatment .................................................... 4 2.1.3 Carriageway Routes for Reactive Treatment ..................................................... 4 2.1.4 Carriageway Routes for Snow Clearance .......................................................... 5 2.1.5 Cumbrae ............................................................................................................ 5 2.2 Footway/Footpath Priorities ............................................................................... 5 2.3 Cycle Routes ...................................................................................................... 6 2.4 Response and Treatment Times ........................................................................ 6 3. Organisation .............................................................................................................. 6 4.1 General .............................................................................................................. 7 4.2 Labour ................................................................................................................ 7 4.3 Vehicle Plant and Equipment ............................................................................. 7 4.4 Salt ..................................................................................................................... 8 5. Other Resources ....................................................................................................... 8 6. Weather Forecasting ................................................................................................. 8 7. Decision Making ........................................................................................................... 9 .8. Ice Prediction .......................................................................................................... 10 9. Road Condition Reports .......................................................................................... 10 10. Communications .................................................................................................. 10 11. Road Closures ..................................................................................................... 11 12. Liaison With Police Scotland ............................................................................... 11 13. Ayrshire Local Resilience Partnership (ALRP) Disruptive Weather Response Arrangements ................................................................................................................. 12 14. Cross Boundary Arrangements ........................................................................... 12
Page 12
2 | P a g e 15. Vehicle Routes .................................................................................................... 12 16. Precautionary Salting .......................................................................................... 13 17. Grit Bins ............................................................................................................... 14 18. Largs And Saltcoats Flood Protection Schemes .................................................. 14 19. Sandbag Procedures ........................................................................................... 14 20. Resilience Arrangements .................................................................................... 15 Appendix A - Level of Service ......................................................................................... 16 Appendix B - Decision Making ........................................................................................ 17 Winter Treatment Spread Rate Matrix ............................................................................ 18 Appendix C - Summary of Available Labour & Plant ..................................................... 200 Appendix D - Community Grit Bins ................................................................................. 21 Appendix E - Summary of Available Materials .............................................................. 222 Appendix F - Salt Resilience Plan (Mainland) ............................................................... 233 Appendix G - Contact Address & Telephone Numbers ................................................. 255 Appendix H - Distribution List ........................................................................................ 266 Appendix I - Bridges with Weight or Height Restrictions ............................................... 277 Appendix J - Arrangements with other Authorities .......................................................... 29 Appendix K - Grit Bin Policy & Procedure ..................................................................... 300 Winter gritting (north-ayrshire.gov.uk) ........................................................................ 300 Appendix L - Winter Minimal Resilience Network ........................................................... 31
Page 13
3 | P a g e 1. Introduction North Ayrshire Council has a statutory obligation, under Section 34 of the Roads (Scotland) Act 1984, to take such steps as it considers reasonable to prevent snow and ice endangering the safe passage of pedestrians and vehicles over public roads which includes carriageways, footways, footpaths, pedestrian precincts. In its statutory role as the local Roads Authority, the aim of North Ayrshire Council in respect of its winter service and weather emergencies is to: - 1. provide a standard of service on public roads which will permit safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic appropriate to the prevailing weather conditions. 2. establish a pattern of working which will keep delays, diversions, or road closures to a minimum during adverse weather conditions. 3. conduct operations having regard to the requirements of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and any other relevant enactments. This Plan only relates to the Council’s duties as Roads Authority and does not cover the wider response of the Council during winter and other weather emergencies. North Ayrshire Council has no responsibility for the treatment of trunk roads. From 01 April 2001, the contract for management and maintenance of the trunk roads in Scotland has been awarded by the Scottish Government to the private sector. The successful contractor for the South West of Scotland is Amey and the roads involved in North Ayrshire are as follows: - A78 full length from Meadowhead roundabout, Dundonald to Inverclyde boundary at Skelmorlie. A737 Dalry Road, Kilwinning to Renfrewshire boundary. A738 Pennyburn roundabout to A737 Dalry Road, Kilwinning All winter gritting and snow clearing operations on these roads will be the responsibility of Amey. North Ayrshire Council’s Neighbourhood Services (Roads) and Amey liaise on a regular basis during periods of adverse weather to provide the best possible service to the travelling public. North Ayrshire Council is also responsible for the management and operation of the coastal flood protection controls at Largs and Saltcoats. The Council will close the flood gates on the promenade and erect the flood barriers at Largs Pier in advance of predicted severe weather with minimum disruption to promenade users and the Largs to Cumbrae ferry. Coastal flooding can occur at any time and, accordingly, the Council will provide this service throughout the year. In the event of extreme weather similar to that which was experienced on Arran late March 2013, where major disruption affected large parts of the community, a coordinated response is adopted by the Council to ensure public safety. In dealing with such emergencies, Police Scotland initially lead the emergency or response stage of the emergency. Thereafter, the Council leads the recovery stage. Generally, there are 3 levels of Civil Contingencies response. There is a strategic group at National
Page 14
4 | P a g e or Strathclyde wide level, a tactical group at North Ayrshire level and an operational group at local level. The Ayrshire Civil Contingencies Team (ACCT) act as lead for the Council and implement the Civil Contingencies Plan liaising with all relevant Stakeholders identified within the Plan. 2. Priorities For Winter Treatment North Ayrshire Council has defined the priorities for carriageway and footway/footpath treatment as follows: 2.1.1 Carriageway Priorities Where slush is formed, this shall be removed as soon as practicable to avoid the risk of rutting should there be a further significant fall in road temperatures which might result in freezing conditions. 2.1.2 Carriageway Routes for Proactive Treatment Priority 1 – Strategic, Main Distributor and Distributor routes, bus routes and certain pre- determined Secondary Distributor routes identified from the Local Transport Strategy (LTS) will be treated when it is forecast that snow or ice is likely to be present on road surfaces. Due to the various climatic domains within North Ayrshire the Priority 1 routes may be adjusted to cover either the four pre-determined Inland Routes or two pre-determined High Routes which all currently form part of our existing Priority Network. Priority 1 gritting routes are available on the Council website here Winter gritting (north- ayrshire.gov.uk) 2.1.3 Carriageway Routes for Reactive Treatment Priority 2 – Remaining Secondary Distributor, local access, and residential distributor roads. Given the presence of ice and snow, Priority 2 routes may be treated during normal working hours as resources permit, when sub-zero temperatures are forecast to continue beyond midday following completion of Priority 1 routes. Priority 3 – The remaining road network including minor rural unclassified routes and remaining residential areas not already covered. Priority 3 routes will be treated as resources permit when sub-zero conditions are forecast to continue over an extended period only after all Priority 1 and Priority 2 routes are clear unless it is identified as an emergency.
Page 15
5 | P a g e 2.1.4 Carriageway Routes for Snow Clearance On receipt of a weather warning predicting medium (25 - 100 millimetres deep) or heavy (over 100 millimetres deep) snowfalls, the Senior Manager (Network) where appropriate, will recall to depots such vehicles capable of being equipped with snow ploughs. While snow is still falling the Strategic and Main Distributor Network will be prioritised for ploughing and treatment in order to target resources and to keep these routes open for traffic. After snow has stopped falling but is lying, the remaining Priority 1 precautionary routes will be ploughed and treated before commencing ploughing and treatment on Priority 2 and Priority 3 routes as resources and conditions permit. 2.1.5 Cumbrae There are no Roads Operatives based on the Isle of Cumbrae, however contract arrangements have been made to carry out gritting operations and assist with weather emergencies on the Island. 2.2 Footway/Footpath Priorities With limited resources available footways and footpaths will only be treated when considered necessary (heavy snowfall or extensive icing). They will normally only be treated during normal working hours (commencing from 8am), but arrangements are in place to undertake emergency work out of normal working hours, weekends, and public holidays in extreme circumstances. Generally, treatment of footways and footpaths will be reactionary and not pre-planned, and where possible work will be undertaken during normal working hours. When treatment is instructed the following priorities will apply: - Priority 1 Routes will be considered for treatment if it is forecast that ice or snow is likely to be present or where surfaces are wet with temperatures forecast to remain below zero until 10am the next working day. Priority 1 Routes - Urban shopping areas and precincts, footway access to schools, emergency facilities including fire and rescue, police and ambulance services, hospitals, sheltered housing, doctors surgeries and health centres. Priority 2 routes will be treated if it is forecast that ice or snow is likely to be present with temperatures forecast to remain below zero for a prolonged period only after priority 1 routes are clear. Priority 2 Routes - Steep hills on main distributor and residential distributor routes, routes to bus stops, only after all Priority 1 have been cleared:
Page 16
6 | P a g e Priority 3 routes will be treated if it is forecast that ice or snow is likely to be present with temperatures forecast to remain below zero for a prolonged period only after priority 1 and 2 routes are clear. Priority 3 Routes - Other areas of high pedestrian concentration. Streetscene staff will assist with the treatment of footways. To maximise coverage on footways, generally only one side of a road will be initially treated. It is not possible for the Council to treat all footways and footpaths within North Ayrshire. As such the Council encourages the community to participate in self-help, through the use of grit bins which can be requested through the grit bin application process. Grit bins will only be allocated where it has been assessed and deemed as an appropriate location by the Council. 2.3 Cycle Routes With limited manpower resources no treatment will be carried out on off road cycle routes. 2.4 Response and Treatment Times Routine precautionary salting of priority 1 carriageway routes should be completed within 3 hours of the planned start time. For emergency or unplanned salting, the start time from leaving the depot shall be no more than 1 hour. 3. Organisation The Head of Neighbourhood Services is responsible for specifying the level of winter service required based on approval from the Council. The Senior Manager (Network) is responsible for implementing this service. A duty Winter Controller and Winter Supervisor will be appointed by the Senior Manager (Network) for the whole of the winter period covered by these procedures (mid-October to early April)
Page 17
7 | P a g e 4. North Ayrshire Council Resources (Roads) 4.1 General Following approval from the Council, it is the responsibility of the Head of Neighbourhood Services to define the level of service to be provided within their sphere of operations and to issue appropriate instructions to the Senior Manager (Network) to provide the necessary labour and plant for winter operations. This level of service will be based on the national Code of Practice for Well Managed Highway Infrastructure (see Appendix A). The level of winter treatment is established utilising the weather forecasts provided by MetDesk Limited in accordance with the winter treatment matrix (Appendix B). The Senior Manager (Network) shall thereafter be responsible for advising the Head of Service of any matters which may affect his ability to deal with adverse weather conditions such as. labour disputes, extensive plant breakdowns. Labour resources from Neighbourhood Services (Roads) will be provided for the Winter and Weather Emergencies Service. The stand-by period will be 24 October 2024 until 10 April 2025. This period may be extended beyond the given dates if conditions warrant such action. These arrangements include home stand-by which is activated by the designated Winter Supervisor when instructed by the Winter Controller or as the result of hazardous road conditions being reported. 4.2 Labour A proportion of the roads labour force will be on stand-by for winter service operations out of normal working hours, with the remainder on call out as necessary. This allows evening and early morning precautionary salting to be carried out on our priority carriageway network to undertake treatment before the morning rush hour. In determining the labour resources required for the winter service, cognisance is taken of the key objective to treat all priority routes before the commencement of the morning peak period. 4.3 Vehicle Plant and Equipment Prior to commencement of winter service operations, the Senior Manager (Network) will ensure that all equipment for salting roads and snow clearing is in working order and, where appropriate, that ancillary items can be fitted to vehicles without difficulty, such as ploughs set up on blocks to facilitate assembly. The above procedure should also be applied to vehicles and plant available under contract for the winter service. The Senior Manager (Network) will ensure that all vehicles engaged in the winter service are equipped with radios or other appropriate communication devices to allow contact to be maintained between the depot and operators. Superintendents have mobile telephones. There is also vehicle tracking system fitted and operational in all vehicles to reduce the risk associated with gritting operations.
Page 18
8 | P a g e A summary of labour, vehicles, plant, and equipment available for the winter service work is detailed in Appendix C. Once per year the Senior Manager (Network), will organise a trial closure of the flood gates and erection of the de-mountable barriers at the Largs and Saltcoats flood protection controls. This is to ensure that the gates and barriers remain in full working order and that all staff are familiar with the process. 4.4 Salt Salt is purchased through a Scotland Excel annual purchase contract. Mainland salt deliveries are stored in the salt barn within the Goldcraigs Depot. Salt on Arran is stored in the open at the Roads Depot in Market Road, Brodick. During the season, the Senior Manager (Network) will arrange for a weekly check to be made on the amount of salt used and for stocks to be augmented as necessary. There is a procedure in place at the depot to strictly control salt distribution. All vehicles are tagged and must cross the weighbridge to accurately record salt usage. This includes salt distributed to Streetscene and contractors assisting with winter service delivery. Small quantities of salt are available for issue free of charge to the public, subject to residents supplying a suitable container. Details of locations of community grit bins where small quantities of salt are available are given in Appendix D The planned salt stock level at commencement of winter is given in Appendix E. In the event of prolonged severe weather, the Council has a salt resilience plan (Appendix F), which will be implemented if conditions require. 5. Other Resources During adverse weather conditions, the Senior Manager (Network), (after consultation with the Head of Neighbourhood Services), shall, if necessary, augment his resources by the use of personnel from Streetscene and external contractors at rates agreed prior to engagement through a framework contract. The Head of Neighbourhood Services should be advised, as soon as practicable, of external resources engaged as a result of decisions made out with normal working hours. The Senior Manager (Network) will provide a supply of salt to Streetscene and external contractors where appropriate to permit the treatment of agreed footways/footpaths. This will be managed through a salt management system based at Goldcraigs Roads Depot. 6. Weather Forecasting North Ayrshire Council, through a collaborative contract led by South Lanarkshire Council, has appointed MetDesk Limited, as their weather forecast provider. During the winter service period MetDesk Limited will provide a weather forecasting service and monitor road and weather conditions.
Page 19
9 | P a g e The forecasters receive, monitor, and interpret, climatic, ice prediction and weather radar information on a continuous basis and provide detailed weather forecasts on a daily basis during the whole winter period. SEPA operate a coastal flood warning system for the Firth of Clyde. If storm surges and coastal flooding are predicted, SEPA provide advance warning to the Council by e-mail and also through their Floodline service which is available on their website or by phone. This service is available all year round. 7. Decision Making The Senior Manager (Network) will appoint suitably trained and experienced personnel as Winter Controllers. During the winter season the Winter Controller will receive the weather forecast around 12.00 hours and decide on the treatment to be carried out. The Winter Controller will check the treatment decision of neighbouring authorities for consistency and reconsider if necessary. The weather forecast provider will provide an evening forecast around 18.00 hours and if this update indicates any change in the forecast the Winter Controller will amend the decision accordingly and advise the Winter Supervisor. For out of office hours, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays the Senior Manager (Network) shall provide the weather forecast provider with contact telephone numbers of the on-duty Winter Controller. If the forecast conditions change from good to adverse at any time, then the weather forecast provider will phone the Winter Controller either at work or at home as appropriate. Thereafter, it is the responsibility of the Winter Controller to take action including the calling out of stand-by squads to undertake salting/snow clearing. Winter Controllers have the facility at any time to contact the weather forecast provider for advice or clarification of forecasts. These arrangements will be in place from 10 October 2024 until 10 April 2025 and these dates can be extended if required. The decision-making process is illustrated in Appendices A & B. The Head of Neighbourhood Services will appoint suitably trained staff and experienced personnel to manage the coastal flood prevention schemes at Largs and Saltcoats. During the winter season, this will be the Winter Controller.
Page 20
10 | P a g e 8. Ice Prediction In addition to the weather forecast information, the Council has available further information from sensors which have been installed at the locations listed below: - • A78 Ardrossan • A78 Sharphill • A737 Highfield • A760 Catburn • A735 Near Dunlop • B880 Arran, summit of The String The sensors provide current details of road and air temperatures and indicate the presence of moisture, thereby identifying locations that icing has occurred or where there is a risk that icing will occur. By utilising the data from these sensors, the weather forecast provider is able to supplement their forecast by producing site specific forecasts. The above information is available to the Winter Controller via computer link 24 hours a day throughout the winter period. 9. Road Condition Reports During periods of adverse weather, the Senior Manager (Network) shall receive reports on road conditions from the Winter Supervisor by 9.45am. These reports should be updated as necessary depending on changing circumstances. 10. Communications The Head of Neighbourhood Services or nominated senior manager will deal with statements to the Press, Radio, and Television regarding road conditions throughout the area. The Council’s Communication team will assist and may take the lead role depending on the nature of any significant event. General advice and information, along with timeous service updates, will be placed on the Council’s website. The Head of Neighbourhood Services (or nominated senior officer) will ensure that all staff involved in communication with members of the public are fully briefed with consistent and accurate information. A protocol has been agreed by the West of Scotland Regional Resilience Partnership (WoS RRP) and Ayrshire Civil Contingencies Team (ACCT) for the transfer of information in relation to Winter and Weather Emergencies.
Page 21
11 | P a g e The Council’s daily winter decisions are available for the public and can be accessed via the Council’s website. Any winter and weather emergencies can be reported to North Ayrshire Council and the Trunk Road Operators using the contact information contained within Appendix G. The distribution list for winter weather emergencies can be found under Appendix H. 11. Road Closures Where it is considered that a road is rendered unsafe due to adverse winter conditions then Police Scotland or persons acting on behalf of the Chief Constable will arrange to have the road closed and advise the on-duty Winter Supervisor as soon as possible of their actions. The Winter Supervisor will advise the Winter Controller/Senior Manager (Network) of any road closures. Appropriate measures will also be taken to re-direct traffic and to ensure that the necessary signs are put in place. When the road affected is a through route the adjoining Councils will be kept informed. Police Scotland will advise the other emergency services (Ambulance & Fire) of the closures. Prior to signing diversionary routes, the capacity of the roads and the headroom and weight restrictions of structures should be checked with the Winter Controller to ensure that they are adequate (see Appendix I). 12. Liaison With Police Scotland Neighbourhood Services (Roads) will ensure close liaison with Police Scotland, particularly during periods of severe weather. Where practicable, Police Scotland will be informed in advance of North Ayrshire Council’s proposed operations. Similarly, arrangements have been made for exchanging information on proposed actions with neighbouring authorities and the trunk road operating company. Where necessary the service will request appropriate assistance from Police Scotland when moving equipment, arranging road closures, and dealing with abandoned vehicles. Reports from Police Scotland regarding dangerous road conditions should be acted upon by the Winter Supervisor as soon as practicable, having regard to priorities in this document and the conditions pertaining throughout the area.
Page 22
12 | P a g e 13. Ayrshire Local Resilience Partnership (ALRP) Disruptive Weather Response Arrangements There have been several occasions when severe weather including high winds, heavy rain and snow has caused disruption to communities and services in Ayrshire. Arrangements are in place where partner organisations can trigger the ALRP Disruptive Weather Response Arrangements. The purpose of these arrangements are: - • To protect human life, property, and the environment • To implement a professional and coordinated multi-agency response to the incident in conjunction with our communities. • To maintain wider public confidence in the multi-agency response and minimise general community and infrastructure impact. • To ensuring that all possible measures are in place to protect vulnerable or displaced members of the community. • To support effective public communication regarding the incident along the principles of warning and informing. • To ensure awareness of the potential impact of events out with Ayrshire on the local multi-agency response. • To ensure that organisational and partnership learning points are captured to ensure a continuing focus on safeguarding the public. 14. Cross Boundary Arrangements Because the Council boundaries do not always coincide with convenient turning points at the end of gritting routes, arrangements have been drawn up with all adjacent authorities for the gritting routes to be continued short distances to appropriate turning points. See (Appendix J). 15. Vehicle Routes A thermal mapping exercise was undertaken on North Ayrshire’s road network over winter season 2018 to 2019 and routes have been developed by the Roads Service on the basis of the priorities listed in Section 2. However, in order to minimise unproductive mileage, some roads in a lower category may be treated out of sequence. This may also occur when conditions vary throughout the area. A complete set of route cards will be kept in the Neighbourhood Services (Roads) offices, with a duplicate set being held in Goldcraigs Depot. Treatment of precautionary carriageway salting routes should be completed within three hours of planned start time under routine conditions. When the Winter Controller instructs immediate winter service operations, the response time to start treatment should be within one hour.
Page 23
13 | P a g e It should be noted that gritting routes are either at or close to capacity and it is unlikely that any additions to routes could be considered without additional finance and human resources. 16. Precautionary Salting On receipt, within normal working hours, of a forecast from the weather forecast provider warning of frost, freezing or snow conditions, the Winter Controller in consultation with the Senior Manager (Network), shall consider precautionary salting of main roads. Where such a warning is received out with normal working hours, the Winter Controller has delegated authority to activate call-out procedures as indicated in Section 7. Extensive and accurate records of weather forecasts, winter treatment decisions and actions taken will be kept to demonstrate our compliance to our Winter and Weather Emergencies Plan.
Page 24
14 | P a g e 17. Grit Bins There are approximately 550 grit bins distributed across North Ayrshire. These are located at areas of particular difficulty such as dangerous bends, steep gradients. The policy and procedures for siting of grit bins, and requests for additional bins is shown in Appendix K. Grit bins will be refilled prior to the start of winter and as considered necessary during the winter season and following periods of severe weather when resources are available. The locations of Community Grit Bins are listed in Appendix D and are also show on the council website here Winter gritting (north-ayrshire.gov.uk) 18. Largs And Saltcoats Flood Protection Schemes On receipt of a severe weather warning predicting a combination of strong winds, high tides, or tidal surges the Winter Controller will, when necessary, instruct the closure of the flood gates on the promenade at Largs and/or the erection of the flood barriers at the Largs Pier and/or Saltcoats promenade. 19. Sandbag Procedures The deployment of sandbags to prevent or contain floodwaters can be an effective way of mitigating the effect of a flood, however the lead time for filling and deployment can be lengthy, as a large number of bags cannot be filled in advance due to storage problems. Therefore, an early decision must be taken to sandbag, to avoid a subsequent waste of time and effort. The deployment of sandbags will be decided with regard to the following priorities: 1. To prevent loss of life or serious injury 2. Maintenance of access for the emergency services 3. Protection of vital facilities within the community 4. Protection of transportation routes 5. Protection of NAC property 6. Protection of private dwelling houses
Page 25
15 | P a g e The decision to deploy sandbags will be made by the Winter Controller / Supervisor or appropriate officers in Building Services, Cleansing or the Island Officer on Arran in accordance with the Services' callout/emergency procedures. Notes: 1. Sandbags will not normally be deployed to protect commercial property; 2. Appropriate stocks of empty and filled sandbags will be held by the Services mentioned above, based on previous usage and experience. The above procedure mainly relates to tidal, fluvial and watercourse flooding. Where flooding occurs as a result of a blocked, damaged, or ineffective Council owned drainage systems, sandbags will be deployed as required to mitigate the effects of flooding (and reduce the likelihood of claims against the Council) including the protection of commercial property. Sandbags are not readily available for collection by either residents nor commercial property owners in the event of heavy rain being forecast, they should make their own arrangements to ensure that their properties are protected from potential flooding. During an emergency situation, the Council will deploy sandbags to protect transportation routes and properties as far as is possible where flooding occurs in line with priorities outlined above. 20. Resilience Arrangements In critical situations should our operational resources be reduced, a minimum resilience network for winter gritting has been prepared. Should we have to reduce our level of service due to an extreme situation our priority gritting routes will reduce from six to three. On Arran we may require reducing from two to one gritting vehicle covering the island routes and the treatment time for gritting operations will increase accordingly. The Head of Service will decide if the level of service has to be reduced due to extreme situations. Details of our resilience network are attached as Appendix L.
Page 26
16 | P a g e Appendix A - Level of Service Road Surface Temperature Precipitation Predicted Road Conditions Wet / Wet Patches Predicted Road Conditions Dry Temperature Forecast between +1.5oC and +0.5oC No Rain No Hoar Frost No Fog High Route Patrols No action likely Temperature Forecast below +0.5oC No Rain No Hoar Frost No Fog Priority 1 Routes Salt before frost No action likely Temperature Forecast below +0.5oC Expected Hoar Frost Expected Fog Priority 1 Routes Salt before frost Priority 1 Routes Salt before frost Temperature Forecast below +0.5oC Expected rain BEFORE freezing Priority 1 Routes Salt after rain stops Priority 1 Routes Salt after rain stops Temperature Forecast below +0.5oC Expected rain DURING freezing Priority 1 Routes Salt before frost, as required during rain and after rain stops Priority 1 Routes - Salt before frost, as required during rain and after rain stops Temperature Forecast below +0.5oC Possible rain Possible hoar frost Possible fog Priority 1 Routes Salt before frost Monitor weather conditions Temperature Forecast below +0.5oC Expected Snow Fall Priority 1 Routes and footways Salt before snow fall Priority 1 Routes and footways Salt before snow fall The decision to undertake precautionary treatments should be adjusted, where appropriate, to take account of residual salt. All decisions should be evidence based, recorded, and continuously monitored and reviewed.
Page 27
17 | P a g e Appendix B - Decision Making Note: • Rate of spread for precautionary treatments may be adjusted to take account of local variations along the routes such as residual salt, temperature variations, surface moisture (air or road surface) road alignment and traffic density. • All decisions should be evidence based, recorded and require continuous monitoring and review. • Ice refers to all ice on the road surface, including black ice. • The level of service generally complies with the recommendations laid down in “NWSRG best practice guide for Winter Salt” as recommended in the Well Managed Highway Infrastructure Code of Practice and takes account of recommendations by the SCOTS Winter Group following a review of the Code of Practice and consultation with the National Winter Service Research Group (NWSRG).
Page 28
18 | P a g e Winter Treatment Spread Rate Matrix Recommended Spread Rates – Dry Salting (g/m2) Road Surface Temperature (RST) when frost/ice is predicted and road wetness. Poor Cover (salt stored uncovered) Medium Traffic Normal Loss Good Cover (salt stored under cover) Medium Traffic Normal Loss Comments RST at or above -2 deg and dry or damp road conditions 10 10 None RST at or above -2 deg and wet road conditions 15 10 None RST below -2 deg and above - 5 deg and dry or damp road conditions 15 or 20 10 or 15 Spread rate dependent on residual salt on road surface RST below -2 deg and above - 5 deg and wet road conditions 1 x 20 & monitor & treat as required 20 None RST at or below -5 deg and above -10 deg and dry or damp road conditions 1 x 20 & monitor & treat as required 20 Spread rate dependent on residual salt on road surface RST at or below -5 deg and above -10 deg and wet road conditions 1 x 20 & monitor & treat as required 1 x 20 & monitor & treat as required None
Page 29
19 | P a g e Salt Type Precautionary Treatments Before Snow or Freezing rain Light or Medium Traffic Heavy Traffic Dry Salt Light Snow Forecast 20g/m2 20g/m2 Pre-wet Salt Light Snow Forecast 20g/m2 20g/m2 Treated Salt Light Snow Forecast 15g/m2 15g/m2 Dry Salt Moderate/Heavy Snow Forecast 20g/m2 40g/m2 Pre-wet Salt Moderate/Heavy Snow Forecast 20g/m2 40g/m2 Treated Salt Moderate/Heavy Snow Forecast 15g/m2 30g/m2 Dry Salt Freezing rain Forecast 1 x20g/m2 then monitor 1 x20g/m2 then monitor Pre-wet Salt Freezing rain Forecast 1 x20g/m2 then monitor 1 x20g/m2 then monitor Treated Salt Freezing rain Forecast 1 x15g/m2 then monitor 1 x15g/m2 then monitor
Page 30
20 | P a g e Appendix C - Summary of Available Labour & Plant Type Of Plant/Labour Goldcraigs Arran Other NAC Total 18 Tonne Uni-body Gritter 10 3 0 13 7.5 Tonne Uni-body Gritter 1 0 0 1 Trailer Gritter 0 1 0 1 Footway Gritter 1 0 7 8 18 Tonne Uni-body Lorry 10 3 0 13 26 Tonne Multi-lift Lorry 1 0 0 1 7.5 Tonne Uni-body Lorry 1 0 0 1 Tractor 0 0 9 9 JCB 3CX 0 1 0 1 Telehandler 1 1 0 2 Fixed V Plough 3 2 0 5 Small Blade Plough 1 1 0 2 Large Blade Plough 12 3 0 15 Drivers 22 11 0 33 Pickup Drivers 7 4 22 33 Operatives 4 1 29 34 Note When necessary, labour, vehicles, plant and equipment from other Council Departments, plant hirers and contractors will be used to supplement above resources. This also applies for non-winter related emergency responses.
Page 31
21 | P a g e Appendix D - Community Grit Bins Small quantities of salt are available for issue free of charge to members of the public, subject to their supplying a suitable container from the Community Grit Bins sited at the following locations. Ardrossan – Car park, North Crescent Road Beith – Community centre, Kings Road Brodick – Household waste recycling centre Dalry – Car park, Kirk Close Fairlie – Car park, Pier Road Irvine – Bartonholm civic amenity site Kilbirnie – Cleansing depot, Paddockholm Road Kilwinning – Byrehill Place (off Pennyburn Road) Lamlash – Council office Largs – Cleansing depot, Alexander Avenue Millport – Kepple Pier Saltcoats – Cleansing depot, Mid Dykes Road Skelmorlie – Toward View (opposite fire station) Stevenston – Car park, Garnock Road West Kilbride – Community Centre, Corse Street
Page 32
22 | P a g e Appendix E - Summary of Available Materials The following salt, grit and sand stocks will be in place at commencement of winter: - Goldcraigs (salt barn) • 7000 tons of salt • 100 tons of sand for sandbags Arran • 2400 tons of salt • 300 tons of sand for sandbags Cumbrae • 20 tons of salt • 500 filled sandbags Note: Approximately 4000 sandbags are located at Goldcraigs, and 500 on Arran.
Page 33
23 | P a g e Appendix F - Salt Resilience Plan (Mainland) Level 1 (Green) Service – Stock Levels 2500 Tonnes and above • Service levels as detailed in NAC Winter and Weather Emergencies Plan. • Typical daily salt usage (snow conditions) 470T – resilience 10 days or • Typical daily salt usage (frost & ice only) 235T – resilience 20 days Level 2 (Amber 1) Service – Stock Levels 1800 Tonnes – 2500Tonnes • Only Priority 1 carriageway routes treated with pure salt, remaining priority carriageway routes reduced to half the normal spread rate or salt/grit mix at 50/50 • All footway routes reduced to salt/sand mix at 50/50 • Grit bins replenished with salt/sand mix at 50/50. • Typical daily salt usage (snow conditions) 330T – resilience 2 days. or • Typical daily salt usage (frost & ice only) 165T – resilience 4 days Level 3 (Amber 2) Service – Stock Levels 1000 Tonnes – 1800 Tonnes • All carriageway routes reduced to half the normal spread rate or salt/grit mix at 50/50 • Priority 1 footway routes treated with salt/sand mix at 50/50 • Remaining footway routes treated with sand/grit mix at 50/50 • Grit bins replenished with sand/grit mix at 50/50 • Typical daily salt usage (snow conditions) 150T – resilience 5 days. or • Typical daily salt usage (frost & ice only) 75T – resilience 10 days Level 4 (Red) Service – Stock Levels less than 1000Tonnes • Priority 1 carriageways reduced to half the normal spread rate or salt/grit mix at 50/50 • Treat remaining carriageway routes with sand/grit mix at 50/50 • All footway routes treated with sand/grit mix at 50/50 • Grit bins replenished with sand/grit mix. • Typical daily salt usage (snow conditions) 100T – resilience 10 days or • Typical daily salt usage (frost & ice only) 50T – resilience 20 days Assuming 7000 tonnes in stock at start of winter our total resilience would be either: • Total Resilience during periods of heavy snow - 27 days or Total Resilience during periods of frost & ice conditions - 54 days
Page 34
24 | P a g e Salt Resilience Plan (Arran) Level 1 (Green) Service – Stock Levels 1000 Tonnes and above • Service levels as detailed in NAC Winter and Weather Emergencies Plan. • Typical daily salt usage (snow conditions) 52T – resilience 28 days or • Typical daily salt usage (frost & ice only) 26T – resilience 56 days Level 2 (Amber 1) Service – Stock Levels 550 Tonnes – 1000Tonnes • Only Priority 1 carriageway routes treated with pure salt, remaining priority carriageway routes reduced to half the normal spread rate or salt/grit mix at 50/50 • All footway routes reduced to salt/sand mix at 50/50 • Grit bins replenished with salt/sand mix at 50/50. • Typical daily salt usage (snow conditions) 44T – resilience 10 days. or • Typical daily salt usage (frost & ice only) 22T – resilience 20 days Level 3 (Amber 2) Service – Stock Levels 250 Tonnes – 550 Tonnes • All carriageway routes reduced to half the normal spread rate or salt/grit mix at 50/50 • Priority 1 footway routes treated with salt/sand mix at 50/50 • Remaining footway routes treated with sand/grit mix at 50/50 • Grit bins replenished with salt/sand mix at 50/50 • Typical daily salt usage (snow conditions) 30T – resilience 10 days. or • Typical daily salt usage (frost & ice only) 15T – resilience 20 days Level 4 (Red) Service – Stock Levels less than 250 Tonnes • Priority 1 carriageways reduced to half the normal spread rate or salt/grit mix at 50/50 • Treat remaining carriageway routes with sand/grit mix at 50/50 • All footway routes treated with sand/grit mix at 50/50 • Grit bins replenished with sand/grit mix. • Typical daily salt usage (snow conditions) 20T – resilience 12 days or • Typical daily salt usage (frost & ice only) 10T – resilience 24 days Assuming 2,400 tonnes in stock at start of winter our total resilience would be either • Total Resilience during periods of heavy snow - 60 days or Total Resilience during periods of frost & ice conditions - 120 days
Page 35
25 | P a g e Appendix G - Contact Address & Telephone Numbers During working hours North Ayrshire Council Neighbourhood Services (Roads) Cunninghame House Irvine KA12 8EE Telephone: 01294 310000 Arran Local Office Lamlash Isle of Arran KA27 8JY Telephone: 01770 600338 Trunk Roads A78, A737 and A738 Amey Network Control Centre 150 Polmadie Road Glasgow G5 0HD Control Room telephone: 0800 0420188 Email: OCCR-southwest@amey.co.uk Outside of working hours North Ayrshire Council Call centre – road and lighting faults 24 hours, seven days a week Telephone: 01294 310000
Page 36
26 | P a g e Appendix H - Distribution List Copies North Ayrshire Council Chief Executive 1 Executive Director: Place 1 Executive Director: Education 1 Executive Director: Communities & Housing 1 Head of Neighbourhood Services 1 Head of Democratic Services 1 ACCT 1 All Elected Members of North Ayrshire Council 33 Police Scotland Divisional Commander, Kilmarnock 1 Traffic Management, Ayr 1 Strathclyde Partnership for Transport 1 Scottish Fire & Rescue Service – Divisional Commander 1 Scottish Ambulance Service 1 MetDesk Limited 1 Amey 1 Ayrshire Roads Alliance 1 Renfrewshire Council - Head of Roads 1 East Renfrewshire Council – Head of Roads & Planning 1 Inverclyde Council – Head of Transportation & Roads Service 1 Contact Centre, Building Services, Stevenston 1 Contact Centre, Bridgegate House, Irvine 1
Page 37
27 | P a g e Appendix I - Bridges with Weight or Height Restrictions Height Restrictions Bridge Location Grid Reference Signed Height Metric Signed Height Imperial B714/50: Dalry, Railway Bridge 229960 649702 3.8 12’ – 6” B706/40: Barrmill 236834 651392 4.0 13’ – 0” B7047/10: Meadowfoot Road, West Kilbride 220791 647032 4.6 15’ – 0” C6/10: West Balgray 235333 642491 3.9 12’ – 9” C26/10: South Kilruskin 220541 650473 4.4 14’ – 6” C26/20: North Kilruskin 220423 650868 5.0 16’ – 6” U67/10: Dubbs 228508 642006 3.0 9’ – 9” U67(A78 280): Todhill (Dubbs Road, under A78, Kilwinning Bypass) 229175 642250 4.0 13’ – 0” U67/30: Nethermains 230059 642199 3.7 12’ – 0” C56/30: Moor Road 220639 652980 4.7 15’ – 6” C67/20: Tandelhill 238174 651683 4.4 14’ – 3” C99/20: Cockenzie 230694 646241 3.0 10’ – 0” Unc.TG/230: Garnock View, Glengarnock 231875 653191 3.8 12’ – 6” Unc.TI/70: Old Church Street, Irvine 213571 638800 4.0 13’ – 3”
Page 38
28 | P a g e Weight Restrictions Bridge Location Grid Reference Signed Weight B781/30: West Kilbride, Dalry Road 221015 649062 7.5T C129/20: Floors, north of Kilmaurs 240866 641921 17T C99/30: Dusk Bridge, near Dalry 230599 646882 7.5T Unc.TL/30: Largs, May Street 220711 658602 7.5T U16/10: Dalgarven Mill Bridge, north of Kilwinning, (formerly Unc.NC/30) 229571 645847 26T U23: Fairliecrevoch Bridge, Perceton, Irvine 236065 642011 3T Unc.NT/10: Barrmill 236472 650997 3T (Not Adopted) U54/30: Sevenacres Mill Bridge, Kilwinning 233123 643810 Currently being replaced.
Page 39
29 | P a g e Appendix J - Arrangements with other Authorities Roads to be treated by North Ayrshire South Ayrshire – U107 from the South Ayrshire Council boundary at the railway bridge to A759 Auchengate Interchange. East Ayrshire - A736 – from Caldwell Bridge southwards to Lugton, A736 – from B778 junction south eastwards to Torranyard, C24 - from Greenhill Terrace, Knockentiber to boundary at Plann Bridge, C126 from Montgreenan Bridge to North Lodge and Knockentiber Road from boundary near Springside to junction with C24. Renfrewshire Council - A760 – from boundary to Kerse Road junction and Kerse Road – from boundary to A760 junction. Roads to be treated by adjacent authorities Ayrshire Roads Alliance (East Ayrshire) A71 – from boundary westwards to Corsehill Roundabout, A735 – that section within North Ayrshire boundary, B769 – from boundary south westwards to Chapeltoun junction, C129 – that section within North Ayrshire boundary, C20 – that section within North Ayrshire boundary, B706 – from boundary to A736, C117 – from Chapeltoun Bridge to Wheatrig Bridge. Ayrshire Roads Alliance (South Ayrshire) B730 from the North Ayrshire Council boundary at the railway bridge south of Drybridge to junction Shewalton Road, Drybridge. Note: There are no cross-boundary arrangements with East Renfrewshire Council.
Page 40
30 | P a g e Appendix K - Grit Bin Policy & Procedure 1. North Ayrshire Council shall provide grit bins for self-help by members of the public. These shall be sited locally in accordance with this policy. 2. Grit bins shall only be located where the following criteria are met: - • The location is not on a precautionary carriageway route. • The gradient is greater than 1 in 10, or at a junction with a known history of accidents. • The location shall not obstruct the passage of pedestrians, a minimum of 1.5m clearance on the footway is required. • The location shall not obstruct sight lines. • The location is not within 200m of another grit bin location. • The location is within an urban area. • The location is within the boundary of the public road. Neighbourhood Services will not provide grit bins in private areas or car parks for internal use by either the Council or any other public or private property such as schools, parks, hospitals, old people’s homes, etc. unless a service level agreement is in place. 3. Grit bins will only be located where they can be filled from a lorry. The grit bins shall be refilled prior to the start of winter and as considered necessary during the winter season and following periods of severe weather when resources are available. 4. Grit bins will generally be left in place during the summer months unless there is a history of vandalism at a particular location. 5. The location of grit bins will be recorded in an electronic database, which will be made available on the North Ayrshire Council website. 6. Only written requests on the Council’s Grit Bin Application Form will be considered, these are available from the Head of Neighbourhood Services, Cunninghame House, Irvine, KA12 8EE, and on the Council’s website. 7. A request will not be accepted unless a location to site the grit bin has been agreed. Therefore, even if the criterion for locating a grit bin is met, a grit bin will not be provided if the adjacent residents cannot agree a position. The signed agreement of adjacent residents must be included on the submitted application form, otherwise the application will not be considered. 8. Grit Bin Application forms are available on the Council’s website at Winter gritting (north-ayrshire.gov.uk)
Page 41
31 | P a g e Appendix L – Winter Minimal Resilience Network