Resolved –

(1)      That the adoption of the Winter Services Plan 2024-25 be            approved and that a copy of the approved plan be placed on the Council’s website in accordance with the requirements of the                       Code of Practice for Well Managed Highways Assets.

(2)      That in addition to placing the Winter Service Plan 2024-25 on the website electronic copies of the plan shall be circulated to all senior managers, elected members, parish and town councillors prior to the commencement of the winter season.

(3)      That the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder be delegated responsibility for consideration and approval of all requests relating to changes of the length and scope of treatment routes described and shall exercise due diligence in relation to such decisions in relation to the budget implications of such.

(4)      That the urgent need for the maintenance upgrade of the Council’s current weather stations at Queensbury and Silsden be noted and that funding be allocated from the current winter maintenance budgets for this work.

(5)      That the continued work by the Highways service to increase the sustainability and efficiency of the winter service operations be endorsed and in particular that:

(6)      The development of a detailed business case for arrangements for salt storage be undertaken and that funding for the initial ground investigation survey at Wakefield Road depot be allocated from within the existing winter maintenance budget.

(7)      That enhanced digitisation of decision making in winter operations be progressed and Executive endorsed the submission of a proposal to the Council’s Section 151 Officer for purchase of road surface temperature sensors and that an upgrade to the Council’s current Visala subscription be agreed to support the use of thermal mapping.

(8)      A further report be presented to a future meeting of the Executive on the above matters including details of any efficiencies delivered in 2024/25 through the use of targeted network treatment supported through the use of thermal mapping.

To be actioned by: Strategic Director Place / Director of Finance (7)

Overview and Scrutiny Committee:  Regeneration & Environment

(Richard Gelder - 01274 437603)