Wednesday, 08 May 2013

Businesses across south Hampshire are being invited to compete in the 'My Journey' Commuter Challenge by completing their daily commute using alternative ways to travel other than the private car.

The challenge is part of Hampshire County and Portsmouth and Southampton City Councils' 'My Journey' campaign and is being organised by Sustrans, a leading national charity which encourages and enables sustainable travel for residents in the UK.

Participants will be encouraged to try cycling, walking, using public transport or car-sharing to get to and from their place of work, in a bid to reduce congestion in Hampshire and encourage a more active lifestyle. Businesses and their employees will be invited to compete in group and personal challenges throughout May.

By recording online how they travelled to work, those who take part in the challenge have the opportunity to win one of a number of weekly awards such as passes for free bus, rail, hover and ferry travel, theatre tickets, and entry to a wide range of Hampshire attractions.

Eligible journeys for the Commuter Challenge start at one mile in length, the equivalent of just 20 minutes walking or 10 minutes by bicycle.

The 'My Journey' campaign has been developed by Hampshire County Council, Southampton City Council and Portsmouth City Council and is funded by a successful bid to the Department for Transport for Local Sustainable Transport Fund monies. The objectives of the Government's fund are to reduce congestion at peak times, and to reduce carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. These objectives will be met at a local level, through 'My Journey' initiatives to encourage less use of the private car and a more active lifestyle by encouraging walking, cycling, use of public transport or car sharing to travel around, particularly for local journeys.

• Businesses, groups or individuals can sign up to take part in the Commuter Challenge

Tuesday, 07 May 2013

School children are being invited to nominate their 'diamond' lollipop person as Hampshire's School Crossing Patrol of the Year 2013.

In nominating who they think should win, children are being asked to get creative by sending in a poem, drawing or a story illustrating why their school crossing patrol is a real diamond.

Hampshire County Council has 262 school crossing patrols who help children cross roads every morning and afternoon during term time. This year marks 60 years of the school crossing patrol service nationally, making 2013 its Diamond Anniversay.

From all the nominations received, one finalist will be chosen from each of the 11 boroughs and districts across Hampshire. The finalists will be invited to a special awards ceremony on 10 July, to be held in Winchester, where the overall winner will be announced and presented with their award.

The winner will also be presented with £500 worth of IKEA vouchers donated by the Southampton store. Each of the 11 finalists will be presented with bespoke fleeces and the children who submit the winning entry for each finalist will receive a road safety goody bag.

The school whose lollipop person is crowned School Crossing Patrol of the Year 2013 will win a Street Feet kit courtesy of Fox Oilskins. The kit is designed to help children practice crossing the road safely while being in a safe environment. The school will also win an environmental tour of IKEA for the class of the pupil's winning nomination.

All those who nominate a school crossing person will be presented with a fluorescent zipper courtesy of Heart FM.

The closing date for entries is Friday 24 May

• Vote for Hampshire's top school crossing patrol

Friday, 12 April 2013

A new road safety THINK! Campaign, supported by Hampshire County Council and Hampshire Constabulary, calls on drivers and cyclists to stay safe by looking out for each other. The campaign highlights the common ground between cyclist and driver and gives advice and tips on staying safe, visible and alert on the road.

Over the last five years 760 cyclists have been killed or seriously injured on roads in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The new safety campaign is based on the premise that cyclists and drivers are often one and the same, as 80% of cyclists hold a driving licence and one in five drivers cycle at least once a month. In support of this, buses across the county will display the slogan:

'Let's look out for each other. Drivers and cyclists are more alike than you think.'

Stuart Jarvis, Director of Environment, Transport and Economy at Hampshire County Council said:

"Although there are sometimes differences of opinion between cyclists and drivers this campaign encourages mutual respect to make Hampshire's roads safer for all, by driving or cycling responsibly."

Sergeant Darren Ord, of Hampshire Constabulary's Roads Policing Unit said: "When we talk about cycle safety with road users, we often find there's a 'them and us' attitude between drivers and cyclists, despite that fact that most of them at one time or another do both.

"The campaign is simply about mutual respect, for cyclists to make themselves as visible as possible so they have less chance of being injured and for drivers to simply keep their eyes peeled for cyclists.

"It's not about blaming any particular group for collisions on our roads, it's about everyone taking responsibility to look out for each other."

Gosport Discovery Centre will be hosting a 'Let's look out for each other' information stand throughout May. A staffed drop-in session on Tuesday 21 May 2013 between 10am and 3pm will be able to provide answers to questions the public may have on cycle safety.

THINK! advice for when you're driving

• Look out for cyclists, especially when turning - make eye contact if possible so they know you've seen them
• Use your indicators - signal your intentions so that cyclists can react
• Give cyclists space - at least half a car's width. If there isn't sufficient space to pass, hold back. Remember that cyclists may need to manoeuvre suddenly if the road is poor, it's windy or if a car door is opened
• Always check for cyclists when you open your car door
• Avoid driving over advanced stop lines - these allow cyclists to get to the front and increase their visibility
• Follow the Highway Code including 'stop' and 'give way' signs and traffic lights

THINK! advice for when you're cycling

• Ride positively, decisively and well clear of the kerb - look and signal to show drivers what you plan to do and make eye contact where possible so you know drivers have seen you
• Avoid riding up the inside of large vehicles, like lorries or buses, where you might not be seen
• Always use lights after dark or when visibility is poor
• Wearing light coloured or reflective clothing during the day and reflective clothing and/or accessories in the dark increases your visibility
• Follow the Highway Code including observing 'stop' and 'give way' signs and traffic lights

• Further information

Friday, 22 March 2013

Proposed trials for 20mph speed limits in residential streets in eight districts and boroughs in Hampshire are supported by at least two thirds of people who responded to the public consultation.

Hampshire County Council sought the views of local residents in the ten areas where it is proposing to trial residential 20 mph speed limits. Almost 11,000 questionnaires were sent to residents who live in the roads where the 20mph limit is proposed. More than a quarter of households responded to indicate whether or not they would be in favour of the 20mph limit. People also had the opportunity to complete the questionnaire online.

The percentage of those in favour in each area ranged from 67 per cent (Hart) through to 91 per cent (Fareham).

In West Town, Hayling Island, 54 per cent of residents responded in favour of the trials but owing to the proportion of people objecting in that area, this trial will not be progressed. The trial for Stanmore in Winchester will be deferred to a later date since the response return rate was not sufficient to be able to draw a reliable conclusion, either in favour or against.

In taking forward the remaining trials, the next step will be to advertise the Traffic Regulation Orders. This statutory requirement will take place over the next few months and people will have 21 days, from the day the Order is first advertised in local press and in the streets where a speed limit change is proposed, to register any objections.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport at the County Council, said: "We are grateful to all those who took the trouble to respond to us and for taking the time to answer the questionnaire. This has been invaluable in giving us an indication of the level of support for residential 20mph limits and how far that support extends. For example, whether people are happy for a 20mph limit in their street and if they are willing to take part in a Community Speed Watch scheme. In the main, the response has been very encouraging and, with the support of local councillors, we are now working towards implementing the 20 mph trials during the summer, subject to the outcome of the Traffic Order process that will involve formally advertising the changes for the streets that will be affected.

Department for Transport guidance states that generally, 20mph speed limits should be self enforcing. Commenting on the need for volunteers to support a Community Speed Watch scheme, Councillor Kendal commented: "The police are unlikely to treat enforcement as a priority in the residential 20mph areas and so the support of residents, through their participation in Community Speed Watch programmes, will be important should compliance with the limits become an issue. Encouragingly, the consultation revealed that there are residents in each area who would be prepared to take part in a Community Speed Watch scheme - on average 10 per cent of those in favour of the 20mph limit."

The Residential 20 project has been developed to take advantage of the Department of Transport's recent relaxations to the signing requirements associated with 20 mph limits. The pilot schemes are intended to test the effectiveness of this new approach in response to requests from residents and with the backing of local County Councillors. The trials that are proposed to be implemented in the summer will be in:

• Whitchurch, Basingstoke
• Medstead, East Hampshire
• Cherbourg Road (and surrounding roads), Eastleigh
• Wallington, Fareham
• Clarence Road, Connaught Road, Albert Street and Albany Road area, Hart
• Hythe, New Forest
• North Camp Farnborough, Rushmoor
• Floral Way, Andover

The 20mph speed limits will minimise sign clutter by making use of 20mph 'roundels' (road markings) on the road surface and 'Before' and 'After' speed monitoring will be carried out in a sample of roads in each area to assess the impact of the new speed limit. The total cost for implementing the pilot schemes will be in the region of £200,000.

• Results of public consultation about 20mph limit trials in residential streets

Wednesday, 20 March 2013

The Chairman of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Andrew Joy, held a special 60th Anniversary Reception and Presentation to celebrate and recognise the much loved School Crossing Patrol Service that was originally set up in 1953 in the UK.

Over 100 serving school crossing patrols and their guests attended the special presentation in the Great Hall in Winchester last night.

The evening gave the opportunity for the Chairman and members of Hampshire County Council to meet and thank individuals for the invaluable job they do for the county, and for patrols to meet old friends and make new ones.

Long-serving Sylvia Rosewarn, who has been helping young children cross the road outside Orchard Lea Infant School, in Fareham, for the last 36 years, was recognised for her contribution to the service during the event. Sylvia has had many positive experiences of being a lollipop lady. In 2008 she was awarded Honorary Citizen of the Year by Fareham Borough Council, in recognition of her 30 years' service, and she was also a finalist in the National Transport Awards for Employee of the Year 2012.

Remembered for his contribution to road safety was Ray Elsmore. Ray was a School Crossing Patrol officer for 13 years, serving 11 of those years at the Queen's Inclosure School in Waterlooville before his tragic death in December while on duty. He was a well loved and hard working man, who would often say how being a school crossing patrol gave him great pleasure.

Paying tribute to all the staff, Councillor Joy said: "School crossing patrols provide a very important service and play a valuable role in our local communities. They are very popular with all the young children they help cross roads, and their parents and carers. These men and women are on duty whatever the weather to ensure that our young children can cross the road to school safely."

Councillor Joy continued: "I'm delighted to be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the service and to recognise formally the valuable work done by these members of our workforce."

Valerie Tibble, who helps children from Preston Candover Primary cross the busy main road in Basingstoke, said: "I never dreamed the job would be as good as it is. The children are wonderful, they keep my spirits high at times when I really need it and they know we are there to help them."

Christine Williams, who helps children attending Shamblehurst Primary School in Hedge End, said: "I've been helping children cross the road for 17 years. I love it and I love the kids - you see them growing up and get to see their little personalities coming out. I feel very responsible for them."

The search is also on for the best Lollipop Person in the County. In association with Heart FM, the hunt is on to find Hampshire's 'Diamond' School Crossing Patrol and Hampshire County Council wants nominations from children who think their school has the best Lollipop person.

• Vote for Hampshire's top school crossing patrol

Wednesday 6 March 2013

In common with the rest of the country, roads in the New Forest and Test Valley districts are suffering a surge in potholes following one of the wettest years on record, leading to the highest ground water levels since the extensive floods in 2000 and then a prolonged period of freezing temperatures.

Reports of road defects, including potholes, has risen to twice the number it was a year ago due to the saturated ground. In response, Hampshire County Council is taking urgent, emergency action to re-focus its maintenance resources in March and April and step up pothole repairs in the two districts.

Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council said: "We will be increasing the number of gangs fixing potholes in these two districts where the issue of potholes is significantly worse than the rest of the county. They will be using a combination of specialist patching techniques such as jet patching, as well as traditional hot treatment patching to tackle this pothole problem. Some temporary pothole repairs will still be necessary however, at those sites where the pothole poses a safety risk, until we can arrange permanent repairs."

Explaining the reasons for the increasing number of potholes, Councillor Kendal, said: "With all the rainfall we have had over the past 12 months, as well as the more recent snow fall and extended period of freezing temperatures, our roads have been under constant attack from water. Whether it is water getting into cracks on the roads surface, water from under ground affecting the road surface base, seepage from ditches or water run-off from fields and higher ground, there is no escape for the carriageway."

He continued: "Added to this is the damaging effect caused by repeated freezing and thawing. When water freezes and expands, this causes the road surface to break up and when the ice melts a space is left below the surface leading it to collapse under the weight of traffic. Eventually a pothole forms and it is impossible to predict accurately where and when they will appear."

Alongside the pothole repair work, highways gangs will also be checking and clearing highways drainage and the County Council is asking private landowners and householders to check and clear ditches on their property. Councillor Kendal said: "Every householder and land owner has a responsibility to ensure ditches on their land are clear to ensure water can flow away freely. They also have responsibility for the drainage within their boundary of ownership to the point where it connects with highways drainage and sewer mains."

Councillor Kendal concluded: "Across the county we have 5028 miles of road to look after and as much as we would like to fix everything at once, the reality is that this is just not possible but we do recognise the urgent need to take action where it is most needed."

On other roads the County Council's planned maintenance strategy to make them more resilient to extremes in weather and increased volumes of traffic - Operation Resilience - will continue apace. This strategy has resulted in around 120 miles of Hampshire's road network and 20 miles of footway receiving a new surface treatment or being resurfaced in 2012, in addition to completion of 40 separate schemes to improve highways drainage and footways across the county. The programme, which has a budget of £22 million for 2013-14, represents the County Council's commitment to long-term investment in planned structural maintenance, an approach that aims to ensure Hampshire's roads are strengthened and remain in good condition for longer.

• Operation Resilience - Investing in Hampshire's Roads

Monday, 04 March 2013

Inspired by World Book Day (7 March) Hampshire County Council and bus operator First are encouraging passengers on the Eclipse Bus Rapid Transit service to read while they travel.

In tune with the World Book Day ethos - to get those who are not avid readers to 'try reading' and to inspire regular readers to 'try reading something new' - First is offering Eclipse passengers the chance to win one of five Amazon Kindle Fires or one of 40 Amazon book vouchers simply by travelling on the bus.

To enter the competition, Eclipse customers just need to keep the ticket they receive for travelling on 7 March (World Book Day) and then, the following day, log onto the Eclipse website and type in the code that they will find on their bus ticket. Then five lucky winners and 40 runners up will be chosen at random from all those who travelled - each receiving a prize. All the information, together with the terms and conditions will be posted online on the same web page.

Season ticket holders will also be able to enter the competition by emailing the details of their passes to sarah.wallbridge@firstgroup.com with the subject heading of 'Eclipse world book day'. Their details will then be added into the draw with the lucky winners picked from all the entries received.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport, commented: "Travelling by bus, especially on a service that is frequent, reliable and by-passes traffic congestion, is a more relaxing way to travel and gives passengers the freedom to make better use of their travel time. I would strongly encourage those who have not tried the Eclipse service yet to do so on World Book Day and experience the benefits for themselves. Even those who would not consider themselves to be a bookworm might enjoy the chance to read a newspaper or magazine while they travel."

Talking about the prize draw, Marc Reddy, Regional Commercial and Business Growth Director for First in the South West and Wales says: "Travelling by bus is a great way to get about: it's great for the environment but more than that the time spent on the bus can be used for other activities too - making reading a book, surfing the internet or making telephone calls. Whether people use their journeys to read the local paper or a classic novel is up to them but the opportunity is there and we wanted to highlight this and help mark World Book Day by running this prize draw. Entering couldn't be easier: all you need to do is travel by bus on 7 March, keep the ticket, entering the details found on it, on the website the next day. From the entries received we'll pick five winners and they'll each get Kindles so that they are able to do even more reading on the bus in future."

Having free Wi-Fi on the buses means that people can use the opportunity to access internet services while they travel, including those for Hampshire libraries. Library members can reserve books online, renew books they are reading currently but need more time to finish and tap into a number of e-resources including e-books, newspapers and magazines and research and advice links.

The Eclipse Bus Rapid Transit service was launched in April 2012, when 14 specially designed Eclipse buses were put into service operating on Services E1 and E2 between Fareham and Gosport. The buses are fast, frequent and reliable and offer customers access to free on board Wi-Fi and individual leather seats. The buses also have wood effect flooring, on-board 'infotainment' screens - which offer real time bus information, local train and ferry departures - and both audible and visual 'next stop' bus announcements.

The Eclipse bus rapid transit service operates seven days a week with buses running every 7 - 8 minutes along combined sections of the route. The Eclipse BRT service also connects with rail and ferry links, as well as other bus services in the area, and also offer regular travel opportunities for those wishing to get to and from the thriving shopping areas in each town.

• Eclipse - win a Kindle on Thursday 7 March 2013

Friday, 15 February 2013

Drivers stopping for a refuel and a break at Hampshire's motorway service areas are being targeted in a recruitment drive for volunteer community drivers.

Hampshire County Council has teamed up with service station contractor, Admedia, to help recruit drivers for community transport schemes as part of its Volunteer Driver Recruitment campaign.

Admedia has donated poster advertising space, free of charge, so that campaign posters can be displayed until the end of February at Rownhams on the M27, Winchester and Fleet services on the M3 and Sutton Scotney on the A34. Funding for the posters has come from central Government support aimed at supporting local community transport provision.

The campaign aims to increase the number of volunteer drivers to help transport those in need, within their own local community, to get about and maintain their independence. In recruiting volunteer drivers the County Council is working in partnership with Hampshire Volunteer Centres, CVS Network and the Good Neighbours Support Service.

Community transport is provided to help people who cannot use scheduled transport services for whatever reason. Transport provided by community organisations is vital for many people to help them access health services, do the shopping or visit friends and relatives.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: "Community transport is often a lifeline for people, so we are grateful to anyone who is willing to give up some of their free time to become a volunteer driver. In Hampshire, we are fortunate to have many active community transport schemes who provide a fantastic service.

Volunteering is also a good avenue to meeting new people, stay active and make a difference in your local community."

Mary Mitchell, Coordinator for the Good Neighbours Support Service, said: "It doesn't need to be a regular commitment but helping people in your local area is reassuring for the individual concerned and satisfying for you. We welcome the opportunity to promote the need for more volunteer drivers in community transport. We would love to hear from you."

The campaign is looking for both minibus and car drivers and volunteers can decide what time they want to give. For more information please call the Hampshire Volunteer Centre Network on 0844 499 4088 and make a difference in your local area.

• Community Transport Volunteer Drivers

Thursday, 17 January 2013

With a forecast for possible heavy snow on Friday (18 January 2013), Hampshire County Council is ready to keep Hampshire moving and help residents in need - particularly older people and others who may be vulnerable.

The County Council's salt barns are full with enough salt for 15 days of continuous, round-the-clock salting. 3,000 community salt bins have salt for people to spread on public roads and pavements and around 100 farmers are on standby to assist with clearing roads of snow using snow ploughs if needed. As always during the winter season, salting lorries are ready to salt Priority 1 routes - roads that carry 85% of the county's traffic - when temperatures are set to fall to zero or below. Other routes, including community routes to local primary schools, doctors surgeries and local shops will also be treated.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport, said: "The forecasts we receive indicate that it will snow in Hampshire from approximately 4am and that it is likely to be persistent, with five to ten centimetres settling across the county, although to a lesser extent in coastal areas. We will be salting the Priority 1 routes round the clock from late morning through to the start of the snow fall. In order to ensure teachers and pupils can get to school and people can still make essential appointments, such as with their doctor, we have already salted community routes this morning and will do so again in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

"I would ask people to do their bit to help, by using the salt in the community salt bins, to treat public roads and pavements near to where they live."

People are being warned that the ground is still saturated due to the significant amount of rain we have had during the winter season so far. Water run-off from fields and high ground has the potential to wash away the salt being spread by the salting lorries, so it is possible that rural roads could ice over when the temperatures drop. To minimise this, salt wicks (porous bags filled with salt) have been placed at known locations along the highway to maintain a salinity level in the flowing water to try and help prevent it from freezing on the road surface.

Councillor Kendal, added: "If you have to travel, please follow advice on driving safely and check your local radio for news about the situation regarding public transport and traffic on the roads. Tread carefully if you are walking as it is likely to be slippery underfoot and cyclists are also asked to take extra care. It is advisable to leave extra time for your journey, if it cannot be postponed, and to ensure you're prepared with warm clothing, a warm drink and snacks, a charged mobile phone - with your breakdown emergency number in your contacts - and plenty of fuel."

During severe weather events, the County Council's Emergency Planning Unit coordinates the Council's response, working closely around the clock with the emergency services, district councils and other partners such as the Environment Agency to coordinate multi-agency efforts and ensure communities are able to access the support they need to help themselves, whether it is setting up a rest centre or targeted support for the most vulnerable. This includes calling on over a hundred 4x4 volunteer drivers, who have been recruited by the Police and trained by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, to be ready to transport key staff and resources to wherever they are needed whether that means getting them to hospital, the workplace to keep vital services running, or helping to deliver meals on wheels.

The County Council is also asking people to keep a neighbourly eye on older and vulnerable residents living near to them. This is especially important in rural communities where not everyone has access to mains gas and communications can be affected. Any concerns about a neighbour can be reported by calling 0845 603 5630.

Cold weather not only makes life uncomfortable but can lead to serious health problems including asthma, depression, heart disease and strokes. People who are struggling to keep warm or to pay their bills can get immediate and practical help and advice by calling the 'Hitting the Colds Spots' freephone advice line (0800 804 8601).

If a head teacher has taken the decision to close their school for any reason, including bad weather, the information will be available online so parents, with school age children, can check if their school is open as usual, by looking at the school closures page on the County Council's website."

• Snow in Hampshire - severe weather information

Wednesday, 16 January 2013

An investment programme of planned roads maintenance and transport infrastructure improvement schemes, totalling £160 million over the next three years is proposed for Hampshire, subject to County Council approval on 21 February 2013.

This major investment programme aims to support the county's economy and generate business and employment expansion after a period of recession and at a time when the country is working towards economic recovery.

Councillor Mel Kendal, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Environment and Transport at Hampshire County Council said: "It is important to point out that, subject to agreement by the County Council, this programme of investment would be additional to any Government funding for specific transport schemes that the Council might win in 2013-14. We have won a number of funding bids during the past year, based on our ability to provide a sound evidence base and real examples of major scheme delivery. It will be important to ensure we build on this to secure further central Government funding for investment in Hampshire's transport infrastructure. With plans for Government to devolve further transport funding to Local Transport Boards from 2014-15 onwards, we hope to expand our investment programme further over the next few years."

Continued success in securing capital funding for transport and infrastructure from Whitehall has served to boost the level of budget available for a County Council programme of capital investment, with a spend of £60 million proposed for 2013/14 and plans for similar levels of investment over the following two years. The investment will also help the County Council maintain its expertise and delivery capacity, which help to secure and deliver future infrastructure investment to support the economy into the future.

Almost two thirds of the budget is proposed for structural maintenance of highways and bridges. This includes Operation Resilience, the County Council's long term strategy to improve the condition of Hampshire's roads so that they are more resilient and able to withstand the effects of extreme weather and rising volumes of traffic.

Major highways improvement schemes totalling £9.9million have been included in the programme over the next two years for Newgate Lane in Gosport, Black Dam roundabout in Basingstoke and Leigh Road/Passfield Avenue in Eastleigh. A further £14million is proposed in 2015/16.

Additionally, across Hampshire schemes designed to make it easier for people to walk and cycle, and encourage less reliance on the private car are in the proposed programme at a combined value of £8.5million over the three years.

The proposed programme will be considered for recommendation to the Cabinet by the Executive Member for Environment and Transport on 22 January 2013. The Leader and Cabinet, in turn, will consider the proposals and make final recommendations to the County Council on 21 February 2013.

• View a copy of the report for the proposed Capital Budget 2013/14

Monday, 14 January 2013

After a relatively mild spell of weather, and a forecast for snow in other parts of the country, temperatures look set to drop in Hampshire. The County Council is reassuring people that it is ready to keep Hampshire moving and help those people in need, as appropriate, particularly those who are vulnerable and the elderly.

Councillor Ken Thornber, Leader of Hampshire County Council said:

"While we are expecting it to get much colder across the county, according to the forecasts that we receive, the chances of snow in Hampshire are slim and sleet is more likely. We are fully prepared however, and ready to keep the county moving in the event of snow fall and freezing conditions. Our salt barns are well stocked with enough salt for 15 days continuous round-the-clock salting, 3,000 community salt bins have salt in them for people to deposit salt on public roads and pavements. Additionally around 100 farmers are ready to assist with clearing the roads of snow using snow ploughs if needed. As always during the winter season, salting lorries are on stand-by ready to salt Priority 1 routes when temperatures are set to fall to zero or below. These are the roads that carry 85% of the county's traffic.

"It should be remembered that the ground is still very wet due to the significant amount of rain we have had during the winter season so far. Water run-off from fields and high ground has the potential to wash away the salt being spread by the salting lorries, so it is possible that rural roads will ice over if the temperatures do drop. To minimise this, salt wicks (porous bags filled with salt) have been placed at known locations along the highway to maintain a salinity level in the flowing water to try and help prevent it from freezing on the road surface.

"Persistent sleet could cause already high water levels in rivers and streams to rise further and, if this happens, there is a possibility of water spilling on to roads which would also diminish the efficacy of any salting. Bear in mind that water levels in fords may also be affected so I would urge people to heed any warning signs that are placed on the highway. Do not attempt to use fords and be extra careful if you have to go through any road surface water as it is usually very difficult to judge its depth.

"During severe weather events our Emergency Planning Unit coordinates the Council's response, working closely around the clock with the emergency services, district councils and other partners such as the Environment Agency to coordinate multi-agency efforts and ensure communities are able to access the support they need to help themselves, whether it is setting up a rest centre or targeted support for the most vulnerable. This includes calling on over a hundred 4x4 volunteer drivers, who have been recruited by the Police and trained by Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service, to be ready to transport key staff and resources to wherever they are needed whether that means getting them to hospital, the workplace to keep vital services running, or helping to deliver meals on wheels.

"We would also ask people to keep a neighbourly eye on older and vulnerable people that may live near to them. This is especially important in rural communities where not everyone has access to mains gas and communications can be affected. Anyone that has a concern about a neighbour can call 0845 603 5630. Cold weather not only makes life uncomfortable but can lead to serious health problems including asthma, depression, heart disease and strokes. People who are struggling to keep warm or to pay their bills can get immediate and practical help and advice by calling the 'Hitting the Colds Spots' freephone advice line (0800 804 8601).

"If we do get snow and parents with school age children want to check that their school is open as usual, they can look it up on the school closures page on our website."

• Road Salting - when and where we treat roads with salt