The Cabinet Member Signing meeting was scheduled to discuss the Winter Service Plan for 2014/15. This plan outlines the council's policies and operational procedures for managing snow and ice on the highways.

Winter Service Plan 2014/15

The primary item scheduled for discussion was the proposed Winter Service Plan for 2014/15. This plan details how Haringey Council intends to fulfil its statutory duty to keep highways free from snow and ice as far as is reasonably practicable. The report pack indicated that the plan had been revised to incorporate feedback from the previous winter and to improve the service provided.

Key aspects of the proposed plan included:

• Policies and Objectives: The plan aims to ensure safe passage along highways during winter conditions, prioritising locations and surface types based on risk assessment. It aligns with wider council objectives for transport, integration, accessibility, and network management, and takes into account strategies for public transport, walking, and cycling.
• Route Planning and Prioritisation: The plan outlines a risk-based approach to determining which parts of the street network require treatment. Carriageways and footways are prioritised based on factors such as gradient, traffic volume, and the presence of essential services and facilities used by vulnerable people, such as schools and residential care homes.
  • Carriageway Priorities: Roads are categorised into Frost Patrol, Priority 1, Priority 1A (schools), Priority 2, and Priority 3. Priority 1 routes are considered the most critical, carrying the heaviest traffic and including those with the steepest gradients. Priority 1A routes are specifically for roads serving schools, to be treated during term time snow events.
  • Footway Priorities: Similar prioritisation is applied to footways, with specific attention given to town centres, transport hubs, residential care homes, emergency service premises, and pedestrian crossings.
• Types of Winter Service Activity: The plan details three types of gritting activity:
  • Frost Patrols: Carried out when sub-zero overnight temperatures are forecast to prevent frost and ice formation.
  • Pre-treatment: Applied when snow is forecast, combined with low temperatures, to prevent snow from settling.
  • Post-treatment: Undertaken during or after snowfall to disperse settled snow and ice, particularly where low temperatures are expected to prevent natural melting.
• Grit Bin Network: The plan proposed an increase in the number of grit bins across the borough, primarily located on footpaths with gradients to assist with local ice and snow management.
• Salt Supply and Resilience: The council's salt store at Ashley Road Depot has a capacity of approximately 1,500 tonnes. The plan outlines minimum stock levels to be maintained throughout the winter season, aiming to meet enhanced resilience standards recommended by national guidance. This includes arrangements for in-season re-stocking and contingency plans in case of national salt shortages.
• Operational Arrangements: The plan details the command and control structure, including the roles of the contractor (Veolia) and council officers. It also covers arrangements with neighbouring authorities and Transport for London (TfL) regarding the gritting of Red Routes.
• Public Information and Community Involvement: The council intends to keep residents informed through its website, press releases, and social media. It also promotes a self-help culture, encouraging residents to follow the government's Snow Code and offering support through snow volunteers, free snow shovels, and loose grit drop-offs.
• Legislative Background: The plan references relevant legislation, including the Highways Act 1980 and the Traffic Management Act 2004, which place duties on highway authorities to maintain safe passage and manage the network effectively.

The report pack indicated that the Cabinet Member was asked to approve and adopt the Winter Service Plan 2014/15, incorporating proposed changes to pavement and carriageway priority levels and amendments to the grit bin network. It was also recommended that the Winter Service Operational Plan be reviewed annually.