Transport Scotland has worked closely with the police, Operating Companies and other key stakeholders in preparation for winter 2011-12.
On 7 September 2011, Transport Scotland held a multi-agency, tabletop exercise to assess Scotland's ability to respond to a prolonged severe weather event. Exercise ‘Polar Storm' focused on the wider consequences of a transport network under sustained pressure during a severe weather event.
Transport Scotland are also working closely with the police and Operating Companies to improve emergency traffic management procedures to make the best use of emergency cross-overs and allow faster implementation of road closures.
From the 1 November 2011, Transport Scotland's new rapid response barrier removal crew will be available 24-7 to assist the emergency services in the relief of vehicles stationery as a result of major incidents.
In preparation for the wintry season ahead, Transport Scotland, working in partnership with the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland, Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association, has developed Road Haulier Winter Advice for the proactive management of heavy goods vehicles and other vehicles during severe weather conditions. Vulnerable locations where the steepness of the road may cause heavy goods vehicles problems have also been identified and will receive special attention by our operating companies and their winter maintenance fleet.
Multi-Agency Response Team
A Multi-Agency Response Team (MART) was set up in December 2010 due to significant disruption to all modes of transportation across the country. The MART was set up to co-ordinate the flow of information to the between agencies and the public. A new arrangement has been implemented which will place a representative of the Met Office within the MART ensuring that any changes to the severity or area effected by the severe weather can be updated and provided to the public without delay. Companies which currently hold a position within MART include:
Mutual Aid
Whilst each organisation will require prioritising the treatment of their networks, mutual aid is offered, when possible. This includes the sharing of plant, labour and salt. Some examples of mutual aid are given below.
Tayside Contracts, based in Perth and Blair Atholl provide key winter services for the two southernmost A9 routes. Salt procured by Scotland TranServ is stored by Tayside Contracts with good flexible working arrangements. In the winter of 2010-11, Scotland TranServ and Tayside contracts were able to offer snow blowers to each other in order to respond quickly to varying weather patterns.
The Highland Council and Scotland TranServ share cargo loads of salt boats, providing cost benefits to both and to the public with harbour facilities located at Kyle, Wick and Inverness.
Amey's commitment with South Lanarkshire to enhance communications and supply mutual aid when required. Through Amey's existing contract with North Lanarkshire there already exists a close relationship and ability to share resource when possible. Amey have an on-going partnering arrangement with Dumfries and Galloway through their existing sub contract.
BEAR Scotland working in partnership with Aberdeen City Council in the North East and Scottish Borders Council in the South East.
"A seamless service" - Highland Council provide a service to TranServ to treat footpaths on the basis that if they are already deployed, the trunk road is also treated.
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