Issue - meetings

This report seeks to develop a pilot providing winter treatment on a defined off adopted highway cycle route as part of the regular winter treatments.

Resolved: 

(i)      That Option 1: a limited pilot of winter treatment on cycle routes that are not currently treated as per the map in Annex A, be approved and that delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director Transport Highways and Environment, to vary the route for the pilot.

(ii)     That the reviewed winter maintenance plan as found in Annex B be approved.

Reason:     To confirm the council’s formal winter maintenance plans and enable the council to trial different treatment options and their effectiveness to reduce risks for those walking and cycling.

The Executive Member for Transport considered a report outlining the development of a pilot providing winter treatment on a defined off adopted highway cycle route as part of the regular winter treatments.  The pilot would trial practical treatment options and establish a cost base for further consideration by members as to whether to make a larger cycle route treatment a permanent part of the council’s winter gritting programme.

James Gilchrist, Assistant Director Transport, Highways and Environment was in attendance to answer questions regarding the proposed pilot. 

In response to questions the Assistant Director Transport, Highways and Environment clarified that ‘gator’ was a larger type quad bikes with a flat bed at the base.  The focus of the pilot would be on sections of the High Road.  Bridges would not be included within this pilot as they would require a different type of treatment due to the metal. 

It was noted that grit bins are available on the Highway for individuals to use as necessary.

Resolved: 

(i)      That Option 1: a limited pilot of winter treatment on cycle routes that are not currently treated as per the map in Annex A, be approved and that delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director Transport Highways and Environment, to vary the route for the pilot.

(ii)     That the reviewed winter maintenance plan as found in Annex B be approved.

Reason:     To confirm the council’s formal winter maintenance plans and enable the council to trial different treatment options and their effectiveness to reduce risks for those walking and cycling.