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The Need for Snow Gritting Somerset
Somerset is a South Western county lying between Devon to the west, Wiltshire to the east and Dorset to the south. In general it is a fairly sheltered county, benefiting from the warmer English southern climate, aided by the Gulf Stream.
This is reflected in Somerset’s average temperatures, which are generally above zero degrees all year round. However, Somerset does experience freezing temperatures sometimes, with absolute minimums possible from mid September through to May. Temperatures can fall as low as -10 Celsius in December and January.
Rainfall varies across the county, with inland locations such as Taunton experiencing around 11 to 13 days per month during summer, rising to 15 or 16 days per month in other seasons, and coastal locations such as Minehead receiving 16 or 17 days of rain during summer, rising to 18-23 days at other times.
Given the apparently moderate climate it is perhaps surprising to find that Somerset can typically expect between 1 and 3 snow days per month from November to April. Which means that even in a normal year it can become necessary to carry out preventative snow gritting in Somerset several times over a typical winter.
But of course, these figures are just cumulative averages. When snow hit the Somerset area in December 2010, temperatures as low as -13 degrees were recorded, with snowfalls of up to 20cm in places. This resulted in lane closures on the M5 and considerable disruption on other routes as well as the cancellation of many bus services. Local authorities were stretched to the limit snow gritting Somerset’s public roads in an effort to restore transport links. Meanwhile private gritting contractors in Somerset were called in by many local companies in an effort to keep private premises clear of snow.
In short, despite having one of the mildest climates in the UK, Somerset can still expect some level of snow and ice sporadically throughout the winter. And if the UK is hit by similar snowfalls experienced in winter 2010/11, Somerset cannot expect to be unaffected.
For Somerset businesses it is therefore prudent to plan accordingly and to protect their business from the worst effects of ice and snow. While local authorities will do their best to keep roads clear, they are not responsible for car parks, walkways, steps and other areas used by pedestrians and vehicles on private business premises. Furthermore, business owners are legally responsible for ensuring reasonable levels of safety for employees and visitors.
The solution is to find a private snow gritting contractor in Somerset. But how should you go about choosing one?
Gritting Contractors Somerset - contact us now for a free quotation
Choosing Between Gritting Contractors Somerset
When selecting contractors to provide snow gritting Somerset businesses should check for the following:
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Will they proactively monitor local weather on your behalf?
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Will they visit your site to decide whether gritting is really necessary?
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Will they carry out a complete risk assessment for your site, clearly defining areas to be gritted in the event of ice?
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Will they provide full records which you can use as evidence in the event of a claim against your organisation?
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Will they notify you if they intend to grit, and give you the option to say No?
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Will they use local contractors who know the area and can get to your site fast?
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Will they automatically include public liability insurance cover?
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Will they provide all necessary equipment and supplies including grit?
The Ice Watch service includes all these features, which means you not only get gritting carried out exactly when it is needed, but you are fully covered legally too.
Ice Watch are a national gritting company operating throughout Somerset and the South West. We cater for businesses and organisations of all sizes and locations including Taunton, Yeovil, Bridgewater, Minehead, Porlock, Somerton, Ilchester, Weston-super-mare, Axebridge, Wells, Shepton Mallet, Glastonbury, Frome, Wincanton and Chard. |
