Kennedy launches advice on winter preparations

Roads Minister Danny Kennedy today launched a winter service advice leaflet which will be distributed to all homes and businesses in Northern Ireland.
~ Thursday, 20 October 2011

This the first time Roads Service has distributed winter service advice leaflets to households and premises across Northern Ireland. The leaflet, which will be distributed over the next few weeks, provides advice on dealing with snowy and icy conditions.

Urging the public and businesses to be prepared for severe weather the Minister said: “Everyone needs to take account of the forecasts and prepare for the winter weather. Roads Service has been preparing, ensuring it has adequate salt stocks, checking that its winter service equipment is fully operational and adequate staffing arrangements are in place. Householders and businesses need to make their preparations for winter weather. People may need to think about stocking up with de-icing salt for use on their private property, while it is still available in DIY type stores.

“Like last year, Roads Service is ready to fulfil its obligations and keep the main routes open.”

The leaflet gives helpful tips on clearing ice and snow, driving in icy or snowy conditions and information on the Roads Service role during severe weather.

The Minister said: “I would encourage businesses and the public to be prepared for severe weather. Last year the Attorney General in Northern Ireland advised that you are unlikely to be held liable for any accidents if you clear snow or ice carefully.”

Danny Kennedy added: “Roads Service will work with Councils during prolonged periods of snow and ice to clear footpaths in busy town centres and pedestrian areas.

“The Department has agreed to make salt and grit available free of charge, to Councils availing of the partnership agreement. Roads Service would also supply manpower to Councils where resources permit and provide an indemnity to Councils or groups working on their behalf. Whilst there is no legal responsibilities for either Councils or Roads Service to treat footpaths, the NI Local Government Association has signed up to key principles regarding cooperation with Roads Service during severe winter weather.”

Highlighting the information in the leaflet the Minister said: “The leaflet today has some useful advice. Most people know not to use water to melt snow as it may refreeze and turn to black ice which is invisible and very slippery. They need to use salt or sand. Loose snow is easier to remove than hard snow which has packed together, so clear snow and ice early in the day. Be careful when you are moving snow so drains aren’t blocked.”

The Minister concluded: “Despite everyone’s best efforts there is no guarantee that roads will always be free from snow and ice. If it rains, the salt may be washed away and ice may form. It takes up to three and a half hours to salt a route so your journey may start or end on an untreated section of the route. Drive carefully even when roads are gritted.”

Approximately 4,200 salt bins and 40,000 grit piles are also provided on public roads. These grit bins are for people to use in their local areas to treat the public road and footpaths which are not gritted.

Notes to editors:

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Regional Development Press Office on 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440.
2. Further advice on preparing for winter can be located at  www.nidirect.gov.uk/winter