Less roads will be gritted as Oxfordshire ‘not a priority’

OXFORDSHIRE County Council is preparing to deal with the heavy snow fall predicted for over night and has stated that less roads will be gritted than it hoped.

The council has stated: “Because of the severity of the predicted snowfall, the council will focus its gritting operation on the most important routes in the county, including important A-roads – this will amount to 29 per cent of the county’s road network.

“Increasing restrictions upon national supplies of salt to local authorities and the fact that more grit is needed on roads affected by snow, as opposed to frost, means the council will move from its previous position of gritting 43 per cent of roads. Snowploughs will be in operation.

“The council has joined many other authorities across the country in husbanding its resources in the light of new information that only councils that are close to running out of salt will see stocks replenished. The supplier of salt to councils up and down the country is not meeting all of its contractual commitments to local authorities and is prioritising deliveries to those it considers most in need – it has not considered Oxfordshire to be a priority as yet.

“Whilst this is a frustration for Oxfordshire, which has planned well for the amount of salt needed, the immediate priority must be to keep the crucial routes across the county open.

“The county council has gritted pavements when time and resources have permitted. In common with many other areas of the country, gritting of pavements and grit for salt bins will now be discontinued until the national situation eases.

The Highways Agency is responsible for gritting the M40 and A34.”

WHICH ROADS WILL BE GRITTED?

Councillor Rodney Rose, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Our Highways teams have worked hard to cover 43 per cent of the network since the cold snap started in mid December and there is nothing we would like more than to continue with that. However there is nothing unique about Oxfordshire in this national scenario, other parts of the country are in the same boat.

“While we are continuing to grit a large number of roads we will be gritting less routes until further notice and there will be no grit for salt bins and pavements. We want to make sure the main routes as clear as possible in the snow.

“I would like to praise our highways teams who have worked many hours and covered many miles since the cold weather started in mid December. They will continue to do so.”

USE COMMON SENSE

Councillor Keith Mitchell, the Leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Our advice remains the same regardless of the number of roads treated by the council. It is simple advice that most people will intuitively deploy without the need for reminders from councils and that has served people well through many decades of bad winters.

“We would simply ask people to take extra care on icy paths and roads and stay away from water covered in ice. It is a common sense message that if people drive and walk to suit the conditions and take sensible judgements about whether journeys are necessary, the risk of accidents will be cut down.”

If the predicted snowfall does happen, information for residents will be continually updated on the council’s website, and through the media. Initial advice from Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service concerns using common sense and helping vulnerable friends and neighbours.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY

Dave Etheridge, Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Oxfordshire, said: “We hope the bad weather does not materialise but we must plan for the worst. The best advice we can give people now is to plan your journey tonight assuming the snow is coming. Tomorrow, don’t travel unless you absolutely have to.”

ADVICE FOR THE ELDERLY & VUNERABLE

He added: “For those residents who are elderly or infirm, it’s important to make contact with friends, family and neighbours today and let them know if you need anything. I’d also ask Oxfordshire residents who live near older people, or those with physical or other support needs, to pay them a visit tonight and let them know you’re there.”

“If there are elderly people living nearby, we would urge people to keep an eye out for them until this cold weather abates – although I am quite sure that those in older age groups have seen these types of conditions many times before and will know more than most what simple precautions to take.

“The county council will continue to do all it can to help and I have every confidence that people will meet us half way by collectively showing their community spirit, utilising their own community networks and individually acting responsibly and showing some good solid common sense.”

The county council and partner agencies are also advising that people who are making essential journeys should be equipped with a mobile phone, good outdoor clothing and food/drink.

OFFER ASSISTANCE

The county council’s adult social services department has taken advice from the central government Keep Warm Keep Well campaign and is urging people to be aware of the possible health risks that the cold weather can bring.

John Jackson, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Social and Community Services, said: “It is important for vulnerable people and those around them to be aware of the potential risks associated with cold weather. There a several steps than can be taken to protect against the problems that icy conditions can bring and I would urge people to take the advice and make sure that they are safe and well.”

Paul Cann, Chief Executive of Age Concern Oxfordshire, said: “Periods of cold weather can be a difficult time, particularly for older people. I would encourage those with vulnerable neighbours to take a minute and knock on their door to make sure that they are alright and to offer assistance if required.”

The Oxfordshire County Council website will be kept up to date with information on a regular basis:

http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk