A review of products offered by manufacturers, or a visit to the Cold Comfort Exhibition, clearly illustrates how the technology and methodology deployed by Winter Service Providers is moving apace.
These products and methodologies, used in accordance with the revised Code of Practice, can only have a positive impact on service delivery.
However, despite trying to set expectations pre season, a more effective service delivered on the primary networks merely increases public expectation and, indeed, increased demand for the lesser parts of the network.
Integrity Enterprises Ltd, have conducted working trials with the Western Brand of Winter Service Equipment and a number of Local Authorities, to ascertain efficient, effective and above all, economical solutions to meet these new demands.
The initial trial was based around a light-weight electric spreader weighing only 270kg with a 1.2 cubic metre capacity. This was selected because of its suitability to the 3.5t fleet, such as Street Scene drop-sides and tippers, hence maximising the use of existing non-winter fleets.
In the first project, these small units were pro-actively deployed to supplement a Local Authority’s primary response. Two units were initially used to service isolated villages that, due to a combination of restricted access and congestion from parked or abandoned vehicles, were considered beyond the reach of Primary Route units.
These units were then further deployed to urban areas to service access to schools, community and key transport facilities. They were also able to access cycle routes and were deployed to public car parks that had been fitted with access barriers, which negated the use of the larger primary fleet.
The effectiveness of the units was best evidenced simply by the demands placed upon them. It was noticeable that the units were deployed for significantly longer hours than the Primary Fleet. The units were also effective in generating positive feedback: they were conspicuous and visible to the public.
The compatibility of the units with the established work processes contributed to the success; of the project, from the ability to bucket load the units to the ability to return unused salt back onto the salt piles.
The functionality of the unit was also able to meet additional in season demands, such as Salt Bin replenishment, and out of season demands such as sand spreading to meet Local Authority requirements.
The second project undertaken was to support the Community Snow Warden Scheme by placing Tailgate Spreaders within the Community. Community Snow Warden Schemes have many variants, based around Community self help in times of need. These schemes tend to deploy volunteers to supplement the Winter Service Operations undertaken by Local Authorities.
In it’s simplest forms, schemes can mirror the ‘Snow Angels’ scheme which originated in Canada, whereby Local Community Volunteers are provided with salt, shovels and minimal levels of training to enable them to spread salt and clear local footpaths etc.
In slightly more complex schemes, other Local Authorities have provided spreading equipment to key figures already involved in supplementing Winter Service resources, such as farmers and farm contractors who have been provided with snow ploughs to assist in their snow clearance function.
The project undertaken with Wiltshire Council has progressed this scheme to an advanced position whereby Parishes within the County are provided, not only with salt, but also Tailgate spreaders utilising parishioner’s own vehicles.
After a limited, but successful, trial last season, nine tailgate spreaders are now deployed with Parish Volunteers under the control of the Council.
The Western spreader selected for this role has a 75kg capacity – this smaller capacity was selected to help restrict the oversalting tendency of enthusiastic volunteers. The Spreader attaches to the Volunteer’s vehicle by way of a fixed mount, thus minimizing the likelihood of the unit being borrowed or used by others who have not been trained. Bagged salt is provided for use in the units.
Command and control was critical to the scheme, with Parishes producing and agreeing clear plans that detailed where the units were to be deployed, such as Sheltered Housing areas, Surgeries, Libraries and other local facilities. This was underpinned by agreed mobilization procedures.
Training reinforced the role, with all volunteers undertaking a course to ensure their suitability and proficiency. Issues arising from liability and insurance cover are also clarified within the training course.
The key to any project such as this is the support provided to the participants and Council alike. Technical, administrative and training support was provided on a 24/7 basis by the team at Integrity
Enterprises Ltd, who hold appropriate Operator and Supervisor Winter Service Qualifications and were therefore well placed to provide appropriate advice and support. Last season the scheme resulted in very positive feedback for the Local Authority, attracting praise in the local media and communities alike.
Simon Rowe, the weather and emergency service officer at Wiltshire Council, said: “Our experience and the reviews undertaken at the end of each season identified communities which experienced particular problems during the winter season. Our approach was to reduce this reactive demand, and put proactive systems in place to see a community led, co-ordinated response to ice and snow conditions that improves mobility for these communities.
Within this response we were looking for effective spreaders, which were appropriately supported, to supply to our parishes which would be suitable for use by parish volunteers. There were several products on the market which met this criteria, however we decided to supply the Western LP500 Tailgate Spreader. This project currently has 9 spreaders with 12 parish councils and so far the feedback has been very good.”
Both projects will be subject to a full review process to identify best practice and areas for improvement.
Andrew Perrett is Managing Director of Integrity Enterprises Ltd.
This article first appeared in our sister publication, Surveyor
