The service provided will be based largely on the importance of the footway as a pedestrian route both in terms of pedestrian volumes and the importance of the destination. A map showing footway gritting priorities| can be found on the Council Website.
The priorities and the relevant footway types are defined below together with the relevant treatment standards and operational times.
Priority 1 Footways:-
Within Falkirk Council the Priority 1 footways comprise the following:
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main town and village shopping areas and centres of high pedestrian usage
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pedestrian precincts
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main routes to urban schools
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main access routes to hospitals and clinics
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identified public buildings
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major sheltered housing complexes
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steps and ramps to underpasses and footbridges
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any 'low level' footpaths associated with the underpasses
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the footbridge decks
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identified footways within Falkirk Council owned surfaced car parks
Treatment and Times
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Precautionary salt treatment only on a specific instruction from the Duty Manager
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Treatment of ice only on a specific instruction from the Duty Manager
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Treatment of snow 24 hours per day on a specific instruction from the Duty Manager depending on the severity of conditions and resources available
The Duty Manager should be satisfied that the following criteria are met:
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The general outlook established from forecasts and other weather information, is that ice conditions are likely to continue beyond 08:00hrs
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Treatment of snow will be carried out in line with the Priority 1 carriageway treatment unless the general outlook indicates that the snow conditions are not likely to continue beyond 08:00hrs the following day
Priority 2 footways:-
Within Falkirk Council the Priority 2 footways comprise the following:
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busy urban links between shopping centres and commercial areas
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main pedestrian routes in major housing developments
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main access routes to sheltered housing and other establishments
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identified day centres for older people or people with special needs
Treatment and times
Any treatment on Priority F2 routes will normally be carried out during working hours (deemed to be 07:30 – 16:00hrs Monday to Thursday and 07:30 – 12:30hrs on a Friday inclusive).
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No precautionary salt treatment.
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Treatment of ice, in so far as is practicable, only on a specific instruction from the Duty Manager.
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Treatment of snow, in so far as is practicable, on a prioritised basis depending on conditions and resources available and only on a specific instruction from the Duty Manager.
The Duty Manager should be satisfied that the following criteria are met:
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The general outlook established from forecasts and other weather information, is that the prevailing ice and / or snow conditions are likely to continue beyond midday 24 hours after the initial onset
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The treatment of Priority F2 routes should not be detrimental to the level of service required on Priority F1 footways
Priority 3 footways
Within Falkirk Council the Priority 3 footways comprise the following:
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one footway along the Priority 1 carriageway gritting route within built up areas, which best serves pedestrian traffic and/or serves the most premises
Treatment and Times
Any treatment on Priority F3 routes will only be carried out during working hours (deemed to be 07:30 – 16:00hrs Monday to Thursday and 07:30 – 12:30hrs of a Friday inclusive). No Treatment will be will be carried out beyond these times
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No precautionary salt treatment.
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Treatment in severe ice and/or snow conditions, in so far as is practicable, on a prioritised basis depending on conditions and resources available and only on a specific instruction from the Duty Manager
The Duty Manager should be satisfied that the following criteria are met:
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The general outlook established from forecasts and other weather information, is that the prevailing ice and / or snow conditions are likely to continue beyond midday 48 hours after the initial onset
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The treatment of Priority 3 routes should not be detrimental to the level of service required on Priority F1 and F2 footways
Priority 4 footways
The remainder of the footway network.
Treatment and Times
These footways will be treated only in exceptional weather conditions.
Treatment will deal with any remaining areas presenting greater difficulties than general and progressively move onto footway or footpaths of lesser difficulty. A halt to this treatment may be called at any time if, for example, actual or forecast conditions improve or for logistical reasons.
Any treatment on Priority 4 routes will only be carried out during working hours (deemed to be 07:30 – 16:00hrs Monday to Thursday and 07:30 – 12:30hrs on a Friday inclusive). No Treatment will be will be carried out beyond these times
Treatment should not be detrimental to the level of service required on routes of Priorities F1, F2 and F3 and there should be uniformity in the timing of their introduction in all affected areas.