THE OWNER OF a bus company is calling for all roads which have bus services operating on them to be gritted during icy conditions, writes Neil Gordon.
Kevin Nind, of Bromsgrove-based Kev’s Cars and Coaches, spoke out after becoming concerned about two roads which are not included on Worcestershire County Council’s primary routes gritting list.
Mr Nind told how his drivers have to use extreme care on Dark Lane and St Kenelm’s Road in Romsley since temperatures dropped recently, as the roads had become dangerous.
He added they were only gritted in certain circumstances as they were deemed secondary routes.
Mr Nind said: “These two roads may be secondary routes to the council, but they are primary routes to us.
“We run the 147 Bromsgrove to Halesowen service on these roads, as well as a coach transporting students to Haybridge High School.
“It concerns me that another vehicle could be in collision with one of our vehicles, either carrying passengers or school children.”
Mr Nind now wants all county bus routes to be gritted during bad weather. He said: “I am urging the council to add all bus routes to its primary gritting routes to reduce the likelihood of an accident happening.”
A Worcestershire County Council spokesperson said the authority had a winter plan in place to help keep the roads moving safely during cold weather.
“Because it isn’t possible to grit every road, we focus first on the busiest and most important routes, such as main roads and those that connect communities and services.
“Roads not on the main gritting routes are still checked and may be treated when conditions allow, depending on the weather and the resources available.”
He added gritting routes were reviewed every year and the council worked with its transport teams to make sure important bus routes, including school and commercial services, were considered.
“During cold weather, we ask all drivers to take extra care.
“Bus and transport operators will also be checking local road conditions when planning and running their services.
“We continue to monitor weather forecasts and road conditions throughout the winter and take action when needed to keep people moving as safely as possible.”
The Standard has approached Worcestershire County Council for a response.
- What do you think of Worcestershire County Council’s gritting policy? Are there roads you use which you feel should be gritted but are not? Email:[email protected] with your views.
