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Guidelines for using the Roads in Winter
Guidelines for using the Roads in Winter
The information below is extracted from the Winter Maintainance plan to give advice on using the highways during the winter months. The complete Plan can be found at the foot of this page.
If you have any queries on Highway use in the winter, please contact us on 020 8547 5929.
Guidelines for Winter
We have a duty to ensure that snow or ice does not endanger the safe passage along a highway. The law recognises that all highways cannot be treated and recommends that a prioritised approach should be adopted. Kingston Council has developed a Winter Maintenance Plan to provide reasonable service during the winter period.
You should take care during the winter months to reduce the chance of mishap caused by wintry conditions.To help focus on what you can do to prepare for a journey the following guidelines have been set;
1. Information on Kingston’s Winter Maintenance Plan
- It is important to know the service that we undertake during the winter period.
- Check the Plan out at your local library or visit the kingston.gov.uk website. Details of the roads and footways that are included for treatment and the location of salt bins are included.
2. Weather Forecast
- Keep abreast of the latest weather forecasts through broadcasts on the radio or television and try to predict how these may effect you over the coming few days.
- Discuss and exchange information with your family and friends.
3. Is your journey essential?
- If the forecast was for severe wintry conditions it would be reasonable to consider whether any journey is essential.
- Can it be delayed? - If it is essential take time to prepare for it.
- Try to avoid periods of darkness particularly for journeys in remote areas.
4. Choosing the best route
- Try to keep to the major routes and bus routes which are set as the top priorities for treatment in the Plan.
5. Clothing and Footwear
- It is so important to wear appropriate footwear and clothing during the winter period to reduce the chance of accident or discomfort. A pair of strong shoes or boots with treads allowing good grip on surfaces is essential.
6. Walking
- If your journey is on foot then keep to the centre of the footways and cross at controlled points. Be aware of where your nearest salt bin is and read the instructions within the Plan for its use and purpose.
7. Driving
The Highway Code provides rules to apply to all road users and some are legal requirements. It is essential reading and a selection of those relating to winter conditions are included below.
- Prepare your vehicle in advance of winter and ensure that the battery is well maintained and that there are appropriate anti-freeze agents in your radiator and windscreen bottle.
The following are legal requirements:
- Before you set off you must be able to see so clear all of the ice and snow from all of the windows
- You must ensure that lights and number plates are clean
- Make sure that the mirrors are clear and the windows are demisted thoroughly,
When driving in snowy weather:
- Drive with care even if the roads have been salted
- Keep well back from the vehicle in front as stopping distances can be ten times greater than on dry roads
- Be prepared for the road conditions changing over relatively short distances
- Drive extremely carefully in icy conditions and avoid sudden actions as these could cause a skid.
- Drive at a slow speed in a high gear as possible and brake and accelerate very gently
- Drive slowly particularly on bends where skids are more likely. Brake progressively on a straight before you reach the bend and having slowed down steer smoothly around the bend
- Check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice and your vehicle losing grip on the road. When travelling on ice tyres make virtually no noise.
- During extreme/severe weather if your journey is essential carry a spade, a warm drink and emergency food in case your vehicle breaks down.
Winter Maintenance Plan 2007/08
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