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Winter service policy

1. Introduction

   This policy brings together many of the different areas of the service that have been the subject of review over the last fifteen years. Information on the Winter Maintenance Service will be available in leaflet form prior to next winter.

2. Roads

   1. Primary routes:

      Classified roads, bus routes, major through routes between towns, villages and large residential areas and routes to emergency service premises. A schedule of all roads included on primary routes is available. Primary routes cover 69 percent of the total road network in Calderdale.
      Level of service: Precautionary salting when weather forecast predicts that ice may form on the road surface. Clearance of snow and ice. Immediate assistance on request from Emergency Services.

   2. Other prioritised roads:

      Other prioritised roads not on primary routes. These are assigned a priority 1 to 3 based on such factors as gradient, topography, number of dwellings and so on (1 being highest priority). A schedule of other roads and their classification is available.
      Level of service: Salted in extreme icy conditions or after snow has fallen, following a request from the public. Requests dealt with in order of priority rating, after primary routes have been cleared, subject to availability of plant. Immediate assistance on request from Emergency Services.

   3. Other roads:

      Other roads not included in a) and b) above.
      Level of service: Unlikely to be treated except after prolonged snow or icy conditions and then only after a) and b) have been dealt with. Immediate assistance on request from Emergency Services.

3. Pavements

   There is no precautionary salting of pavements. Salting and snow clearance is carried out after a period of heavy snowfall or in extreme icy conditions. This service is provided in town and village centres, along shopping parades, on main roads where there is a significant pedestrian flow and on access paths to hospitals, bus stations, and some schools.

4. Salt bins and salt piles

   No new salt bins are provided except to replace existing bins that are vandalised or damaged. Requests for salt bins can only be met by relocating an existing bin when it is no longer required at its original site. The new site must satisfy the approved criteria for the location of a salt bin. Salt piles are provided in extreme conditions and only in rural locations.

5. Newly adopted streets

   Incorporated into winter service programme according to classification in 1.

6. Private roads and unadopted streets

   No service provided. No salt bins or piles provided. Immediate assistance on request from Emergency Services will be provided where possible.

7. Salt

   Salt from Council stocks is not supplied to members of the public. Salt can be purchased from builder's merchants and DIY stores for personal use. Salt is supplied to Community Services for use in parks and to Environmental Services for use at household waste sites and waste transfer stations.

8. Enquiries and service requests

   Enquiries and service requests can be made by telephoning 0845  245 7000 during normal working hours. Emergencies can be reported out of hours on 01422 365101. During times of heavy snowfall all Council resources will be deployed keeping primary routes open. It will not be possible to respond to service requests on other roads.

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