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 main topic of discussion was the approval and procurement of new winter weather stations. The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property and Deputy Leader, Councillor Peter Butlin, approved the procurement exercise and authorised the Executive Director for Communities to award the contract. This decision was necessitated by the obsolescence of the existing weather stations, which are crucial for ensuring safe passage on highways during winter.

Reasons for Decisions

The decision was driven by the need to comply with Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980, which mandates highway authorities to maintain highways and ensure they are safe from snow and ice. The existing weather stations were deemed obsolete by the manufacturer, necessitating their complete replacement to maintain the winter service's operational integrity.

Background Information

County Highways owns and maintains six weather stations used by the winter service team and a dedicated weather forecaster to decide when to treat the network. The stations, now at the end of their life, require replacement. The new equipment will support a domain-based approach, potentially reducing vehicle movements and salt usage, leading to environmental and revenue savings.

Financial Implications

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

Environmental Implications

While the contract itself has no direct environmental implications, the shift to a domain-based forecast will positively impact by reducing the number of vehicles required to treat the network during certain periods. This approach aligns with the council's commitment to environmental sustainability.

For further details, you can refer to the Public minutes and the Winter Weather Stations and Bureau Contract.