Our Executive Committee has approved a Winter Service Plan which aims to ensure the safety of communities through any adverse weather this winter.
This year’s plan is similar to that used last winter following the successful delivery of winter services including a revised salting regime which will remain in place this winter.
Key 2022/23 winter information
- A total of 159 planned preventative call outs to treat roads and footpaths.
- Increased salt use compared to 2021/22
- Salt bin usage was above the long-term average with additional refills throughout the winter period
- Winter treatments extended into April
- Significant community self-help efforts through Resilient Community groups and others.
Preparing for this winter
In preparing to deal with this winter, we currently have:
- Over 18,000 tonnes of salt stocked
- Over 1,200 grit bins
- 41 gritters
- 19 footpath gritters
- Additional contractors available to support winter maintenance operations as required
Borderers are encouraged to sign up to the free emergency messaging system SB Alert to receive early warning of adverse weather.
Alerts can be provided by phone, text or email and the type of alert received can be chosen when signing up at www.sbalert.co.uk
A wide range of information and FAQs on our winter response can be found on our website.
Councillor John Greenwell, Executive Member for Roads Development and Maintenance
“Every year we assess the impact of winter weather, our response to it and feedback from communities, and that helps to ensure that our annual Winter Service Plan is robust and that we are best placed to support our residents during the most challenging winter weather.
“It is important to remember that while we do our best to ensure pedestrians and vehicles are able to move about safely in snow and ice, we simply cannot be everywhere at once. As such, the role that our Resilient Community groups and individuals can play through self-help is significant and is hugely appreciated by the Council.
“Last year saw relatively minimal snowfall and fewer ice incidents compared to previous years, but I’d ask Borderers not to be complacent and ensure they too are prepared as much as possible for all whatever winter throws at us.
“We will do all we can to keep residents updated when adverse weather is forecast, communicate how we as a Council are responding, and support communities and individuals to play their part and help keep everyone safe.”