The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property and Deputy Leader approved the procurement exercise for winter weather stations and authorised the Executive Director for Communities to award a contract for their replacement and maintenance.

Winter Weather Stations and Bureau Contract

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property and Deputy Leader approved the procurement exercise for winter weather stations and authorised the Executive Director for Communities to award a contract for their replacement and maintenance. This decision was made in accordance with Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980, which mandates highway authorities to ensure safe passage along highways during winter conditions.

Reasons for Decision

The existing weather stations have been deemed obsolete by the manufacturer, necessitating their replacement to maintain the winter service. The new contract, which includes a long-term maintenance agreement, will ensure continuity of service. The procurement process, initiated in October 2023, identified a preferred bidder, but the total contract cost now exceeds £1 million, requiring approval from the Portfolio Holder.

Financial Implications

A sum of £300,000 from the capital asset replacement fund has been secured for the replacement of the six weather stations. Ongoing maintenance and support costs will be covered by existing winter budgets within County Highways. The total contract cost over 15 years is approximately £1.1 million. The new equipment and additional sensors are expected to yield at least 5% savings in salt usage annually, equating to £32,000 per year.

Environmental Implications

While the contract itself has no direct environmental implications, the move to a domain-based forecast approach will reduce vehicle movements and salt usage, positively impacting the environment. Further work on this approach will be part of the winter service review.

For more details, refer to the Public minutes and Appendix 1 - Permission to Procure Weather Stations.