Highways Adverse Weather & Winter Service Plan

Training

Our Winter Duty officers are experienced in winter service provision and are subject to regular training and review. All Duty Officers undergo initial training with our specialist weather forecasters to ensure a sound understanding of winter weather, road hazards and the use of precautionary treatments before building on their knowledge through a period of shadowing experienced Duty Officers. Refresher training is carried out at 3 yearly intervals for all Duty Officers.

Duty Officers have access to a wide range of on-line resources and are provided with guidance on a the main types of issues that may be encountered out of hours. A detailed Duty Officer Guidance document is provided and updated on a regular basis. The document contains up to date operational guidance including advice on appropriate salt spread rates as recommended by the National Winter Service Research Group (NWSRG).

All gritter drivers are trained to achieve a City and Guilds qualification in Winter Service Operations.