How the UK Will Beat This Winter’s Big Freeze…

Friday, 16 December 2011

Given that the past two winters have seen snow, ice and freezing temperatures causing absolute chaos, it’s no wonder that serious preparations are being made for when the cold weather hits this year.

Weather experts are predicting below average temperatures throughout the winter months, with snowfall from this month through to January, and councils all over the country are taking various steps to reduce disruptions. Here’s a summary of what’s going on up and down the UK:

Stocking up on salt grit

It’s no secret that gritters in many parts of the country got scarily close to running out of salt last year- the Welsh Government even had to import some in from India! All over the country, gritters are on standby right now, should snow hit this month. In Liverpool, a ‘salt dome’ is being specially built to house about 3000 tonnes of grit, while in councils including those in Cornwall, Durham, North Yorkshire and Surrey have spent megabucks and drastically upped their stockpiles this year.

New vehicles

Gritting lorries have gone hi-tech! Birmingham Council is amongst those who have spent £100,000 on gritters which have built-in GPS systems. These will help officials monitor how much grit is being used, when and where, improving efficiency. 

In Surrey, the Council will be using quad bikes to get to more rural areas for de-icing too.

Community spirit

East Sussex County Council is urging shop owners to clear snow and ice from outside their properties, and volunteers to help clear paths to hospitals and doctors’ surgeries, while over in Surrey farmers, the Salvation Army and the South East 4x4 club have all pledged their help should the weather turn nasty.

Look out for the 25 volunteer snow wardens who will be working in Bristol. They’ll be specially trained to help clear ‘minor roads, steep hills and tricky junctions’, armed with a shovel, a high visibility coat and half a ton of grit each.

Public transport

Network Rail has been working hard to ensure that there’s minimum disruption to trains this winter. At Waterloo station in London, new boards will be installed that show simply which trains are running- rather than lots of cancelled and delayed notices.

ScotRail has been similarly busy, installing ‘power showers’ and tunnel warming systems to remove snow and ice from trains. Rail staff all over the UK will also be issued with smartphones so that problems can be easily communicated.

Innovative schemes

Being in charge of probably the most snow-affected part of the UK, the Scottish Government has launched its first ever ‘severe weather readiness campaign’ in conjunction with the British Red Cross. It’ll include online resources as well as TV and press ads which inform people how to prepare for the cold weather.

Several counties are also launching new schemes to keep people moving- some of them being a little more unusual! Bromley council has launched ‘Snow Friends’, which will see neighbours team up to receive salt, scoops and super scoops to clear snow and ice. Already, almost 2,500 ‘Snow Friends’ are on board.

Kirklees council is considering giving a number of over 50s special ice grips which can be attached to their shoes to stop them slipping on wintery paths, in the hope that less people visit hospital with injuries from falling.

Finally, Renfrewshire Council has taken the most unique approach and is adapting unused ride-on lawnmowers for use as snow ploughs and gritters!

What can you do yourself?

Invest in winter essentials: A decent shovel will help you clear snow, while a good stash of rock salt will help melt ice too. Winter snow boots will give you grip and support like no other shoe in slippy conditions, while a proper winter coat, gloves and a hat will keep you nice and toasty.

Embrace the community spirit: Many council initiatives rely on people pulling together. You’ll clear your street much faster if all the neighbours get involved! Elderly neighbours who aren’t so mobile are bound to appreciate a hello and a cup of tea during cold spells too!

Grin and bear it: As frustrating as it is to be stuck indoors during heavy periods of snow, trying to get out and about in an unsuitable vehicle, or heading out in unsuitable footwear can result in accidents and injuries. Your local A&E department is likely to be maxed out at this time of year, so relax indoors and enjoy the snowy scenery!