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WINTER WEATHER

The Facts and Figures

Paul Wilson

Weather Forecasting

•Weather forecasts received daily at 13.00, with updates at 19.00, and also regularly if forecast changes significantly.•We get updates if the forecast changes for the worst and for the better – even at 3 am•We also receive text and email notifications of severe weather warnings to a dedicated email address•We have access to a forecaster 24/7 during the winter season which this year is mid October to mid April•Forecast conditions from 5 weather stations across the county

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Oxfordshire Weather Stations

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Oxfordshire - Physical Influences

Cotswolds

Chilterns

North Wessex Downs

PolarMaritime

PolarContinental

Tropical Continental

TropicalMaritime

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Oxfordshire Weather Domains

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Oxfordshire County Council’sWinter Gritting Fleet

The Vehicles and Routes• We have a fleet of 31 vehicles serving 27 routes, all of the

vehicles are dedicated to the winter maintenance service and because of that are permitted to use red diesel. All the vehicles this year will have their own names.

• Last year we took delivery of 25 new vehicles for the fleet, which were a mixture of 7.5 T’s, 4 x 4’s, and 6 wheelers.

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• The routes are delivered from 5 depots, three of which are dedicated winter maintenance depots– Chipping Norton 4 Routes– Deddington 6 Routes– Drayton 9 Routes– Milton Common 5 Routes– Woodcote 3 Routes

• These routes enable OCC to treat 1821 km of the County’s roads in 3 hours or less, which equates to approximately 43% of the whole network. A figure which is above the average of the counties in this part of the country.

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• Each full pre-salt treatment (the whole network) uses approximately 240 tonnes of salt

• We hold a pre-winter salt stock of approximately 12500 tonnes of rock salt which gives us resilience for over 51 treatments at 20 g/m2, the recommended resilience is 48 runs.

• Our mimimum stock level is 9300 tonnes, so in theory we should never get into the situation we were in a couple of years ago.

• When we undertake a treatment, we have the option of three different spread rates, these will depend on the forecast conditions, and are 10 g/m2, 20 g/m2 and 40g/m2.

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Specific Conditions•Hoar Frost - Frozen dew that forms a white coating on a surface, for Highways this can be as much of a problem as ice•Black Ice - is highly transparent and thus difficult to see it often thought to be a wet road, which is nearly identical in appearance, it is formed when water or moisture comes into contact with a cold road surface. It is very slippery•Freezing Rain - is the name given to rain that falls when surface temperatures are below freezing. Freezing rain is notorious for causing travel problems on roadways and is virtually impossible to treat effectively

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What OCC will do

• Fill all salt bins prior to the start of winter there are currently just under 1000 salt bins across the county with a further 80 being installed this winter. Approximately 300 of the 1000 have been installed over the previous 2 winters

• We are delivering bulk salt bags to those parishes who have requested them.

• We are working with Town and District Councils to utilise every available resource when the snow does come

• Treat the network as described earlier

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• This year, in addition to the existing information on the public website, we shall be introducing a couple of new features.

• You will be able to follow the gritter’s by using the live gritter tracking map

• You will be able to locate your nearest salt bin by using the postcode search facility

• We are introducing a children’s page, this will also enable to track the gritters by name, download pictures to colour in and upload their own pictures onto the winter gallery

• There will also be a section on winter preparedness and driving in wintry conditions

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Self Help

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Will I Get Sued ???

Clearing snow and ice from pavements yourself • There's no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the

pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully. Follow the snow code when clearing snow and ice safely..”

• Occupiers of properties already have legal responsibilities to ensure that visitors are reasonably safe and, therefore, failure to clear snow or ice from their own paths might result in them incurring liability. Much depends on the particular circumstances of the case.

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The Snow CodeIf you clear snow and ice yourself, be careful - don’t make the

pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put off clearing paths because you’re afraid someone will get injured.

Remember, people walking on snow and ice have responsibility to be careful themselves. Follow the advice below to make sure you

clear the pathway safely and effectively.

• Pre-salt if possible before the snow comes• Clear the snow or ice early in the day• Use salt or sand - not water• Take care where you move the snow• Offer to clear your neighbours’ paths

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Pre-Winter Preparation

• Engage with the local community to provide assistance

(People with 4 x 4s, Volunteer groups etc)

• Acquire a small supply of road salt (a little goes quite a long way) many supermarkets and DIY stores are already selling winter equipment and salt

Thank you for listening

Any Questions ?

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