Tag: AMEY

Amey gritters ready for action

GRITTER NAMING APPEAL 2023/2024 

Amey South-West Trunk Roads are once again running a popular gritter-naming appeal that has, to date, led to over 6,000 gritter names being submitted by the Scottish public for consideration.

The newly named gritters will join classics such as “Sir Grits Hoy”, “Yes Sir, Ice Can Boogie”, “Skid Vicious”, and “Sweet Child O’ Brine”. 

Winners from last year’s competition and new additions to the fleet for the 2023/2024 winter season include: 

  • “Kevin Fridges” (Comedian, Kevin Bridges) 
  • “Stone Cold Steve Frostin” (WWE Star and Actor, Steve Austin) 
  • “Keanu Freeze” (Actor, Keanu Reeves) 
  • “Polar Abdul” (Singer and American Idol Judge, Paula Abdul)
  • “Taylor Drift” (Singer, Taylor Swift) 
  • “Sleeter Andre” (Singer, Peter Andre) 
  • “Skate Bush” (Singer, Kate Bush) 

Scotland’s tradition of coming up with inventive and fun names for their gritter fleet has gone viral on social media and makes headlines around the world.

In December 2020, Amey’s South-West fleet, with their distinctive bright orange livery, attracted the attention of IRN-BRU® who named a gritter “Grits You Thru”.

In 2021, another iconic Scottish treat joined the fleet with staff at family-run bakery Tunnock’s coining a vehicle “Caramelt Wafer”. 

Gritter names can be submitted to Amey online from today via a page on swtrunkroads.scot

Gritter name reveals will take place on the @SWTRUNKROADS Facebook and Twitter channels and will appear live on the Traffic Scotland Gritter Tracker.  

To prepare for this Winter, Amey have amassed 21,000 tonnes of road salt, 231,000 litres of brine, and 50,000 litres of potassium acetate.

The winter service is overseen by 10 Winter Service Duty Officers (WSDO) who provide a 24/7 presence on the network. The 17,500-tonne capacity salt barn at Amey’s Polmadie Depot, established in 2021, will continue to provide increased resilience in tackling adverse weather conditions across the trunk road network. 

The South-West Winter Service is comprised of 27 Frontline Routes, 15 Patrol Routes, and 12 Footway Routes (requiring 197km of winter treatment).

The service is delivered by 56 Econ gritters and snowploughs, 16 footpath gritters, 12 tractors, and 115 Highways Operatives. Winter Patrol vehicles are equipped with the latest Mobile Condition Monitoring Equipment and are fitted with Dash Cams.

In addition, an innovative liquid brine solution is being used on all roads and footpaths, to provide a more effective clearance of ice and snow. 

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook @SWTrunkRoads  

M90 overnight works for Traffic Scotland start tomorrow evening

Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland as part of the Traffic Scotland Operations and Infrastructure Service, are carrying out essential equipment repair works around the M90 north of the Queensferry Crossing in Fife on three nights this month.

This scheme will see slip road closures to allow for the repair and reinstatement of traffic detection loops, which allow for data to be captured on traffic volumes.

The work will be carried out using multiple closures of slip roads overnight from 2000 to 0600 to minimise disruption and to ensure the safety of roadworkers and the public:

  • Tomorrow (Tuesday) – 14/12/12 – M90 Northbound J2a Halbeath Off Slip – diversion to J3 and return Southbound
  • Wednesday – 15/12/21 – A92 Southbound link to M90 J2a Halbeath – diversion to M90 J3 and return
  • Monday – 20/12/21 – M90 Southbound J2 exit link at A823(M) – diversion to J1 and return Northbound

Our operatives will follow strict physical distancing and hygiene protocols throughout the programme, in line with the Scottish Government’s COVID-19 guidance.

Please note, all schemes are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable.   

Real-time journey information can be obtained by visiting:

www.trafficscotland.org  or via Twitter: @TrafficScotland

Edinburgh street lighting contract puts communities at the forefront

Amey’s Edinburgh Street Lighting team have been working with the City of Edinburgh Council to upgrade over 64,000 LED streetlights since the contract went live in 2018 with works creating 20-year savings in excess of £54million. But it’s the difference the team is making to local communities that is a light bulb moment.

Through the unique way the contract was modelled the teams have undertaking over 35 community activities, each benefiting from time devoted to social value – enabling the team to give back to local people and communities.

The upgrading and maintenance programme began in June 2018 and has involved more than 55,000 street lightings, approximately 1,600 street lighting column replacements and various auxiliary electrical elements throughout the streets of Edinburgh in Scotland.

In addition to installing the most up-to-date LED technology, the team has also installed a dynamic street lighting control management system that allows for centralised, more efficient management of the lighting, reducing the need for people to report faults as these are now being automatically picked up.  These maintenance repair works has helped the city to reduce CO2 emissions in compliance with SEEP (Scotland’s Energy Efficiency Programme).

However, the unique way the contract was modelled has meant that the street lighting team have been directly involved in helping local communities and initiatives through putting social value at the forefront during the tendering stages of contract development.

Social value on Edinburgh Street Lighting contract is measured by a points-based system. Amey committed to achieving 720 community benefit points throughout the duration of the three-year contract, which is due to end this year, and has to date surpassed expectations by achieving 1,764 points. 

Points are obtained through Amey’s street lighting team being involved in local events and participating in community projects.

Some of the activities the team have been involved with include attending careers fair, Christmas gift collections, foodbank collections to upgrading a play area for children with both physical and mental disabilities to assisting painting a homeless shelter and upgrading the lighting at a neighbourhood centre and at a Scout hall.

During COVID, involvement in social value programmes weren’t put on hold either, the team adapted to the challenge and hosted virtual quizzes to raise money for prostate cancer and were involved in local foodbank collections for example.

A Spokesperson for the City of Edinburgh Council said: “Community Benefits are at the heart of this Contract and are measured in Community Benefits Points.

“Amey have taken this role seriously and have actively participated in events, carrying out improvement works in community setting and have received much praise from those whom they have helped. Currently, Amey have secured approximately 50 per cent more points than they are contractually obliged to.”

Nick Powell Account Director for Amey’s Street Lighting business said: “Working in collaboration with the City of Edinburgh Council has been the key to the success of this contract partnership which started in June 2018.

“Fully immersing ourselves in community life has enabled us to deliver a successful community programme which has seen the team volunteer their time at community days, career fairs Christmas gift and foodbank collections as well as upgrading a play area for children with both physical and mental disabilities – activities our team are proud to have been involved with. Due to the way the contract was set up – it’s given our teams the opportunity to be fully immersed within the communities that we serve.”

Amey recognises the opportunity to have a positive impact on the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the communities in which it operates. It has recently released it’s 2020 Social Value Plan which outlines its achievements in this space to date and ambitions for the years ahead.

For more information about Amey’s commitment to social value visit:

www.amey.co.uk/social-value

Amey marks Scottish Apprenticeship Week with apprenticeship pledge

To mark the launch of Scottish Apprenticeship Week 2021 (1st – 5th March)  leading infrastructure company Amey, has pledged that 5% of its overall workforce will be made up of apprentices. 

In order to achieve this goal, 22 new apprenticeships, including degree-level roles, are being offered this year on Amey’s Scottish contracts.  

Amey’s Transport Infrastructure business in Scotland already employs 10 Modern Apprentices, 2 Graduate Apprentices and supports around 34 Foundation Apprentices. 

Foundation Apprenticeships are a work-based learning qualification for secondary school students providing them with a stepping stone into a career and a full-time Modern or Graduate Apprenticeship with an employer.

Four of these apprenticeships are in North Lanarkshire, with a further thirty in Dumfries & Galloway. 

Kenny Kerr, Business Director of Amey’s Transport Infrastructure accounts in Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “Providing apprenticeship opportunities are a core part of our future growth, and essential to increasing diversity and the adoption of new skills across our business.

“Our continued support for Scottish Apprenticeship Week demonstrates our commitment to the entire apprenticeship family. We currently support Foundation, Modern and Graduate apprenticeships within our accounts, working closely with key partners such as Skills Development Scotland, colleges and universities and the Scottish Government. 

“We have learned the value of apprenticeships, as they allow our existing workforce to pass on their knowledge and experience to a future generation of skilled employees. Amey apprentices can obtain a range of practical, transferable skills that will stand them in good stead throughout their career. 

“Our investment in apprenticeships helps us meet the objectives of our clients, which include Transport Scotland and North Lanarkshire Council, by providing jobs, training and learning opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. With hopeful signs of a recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and a return to economic growth, continued support for apprenticeships will ensure our company continues to develop and thrive.” 

Amey’s Transport and Infrastructure division looks after some of the most iconic and economically vital routes across Scotland, including the M8/M73/M74 network, North Lanarkshire roads and lighting and the Scottish South-West Trunk Road Network. 

Amey’s Apprenticeship Programme involves candidates completing both a technical certificate in their chosen area as well as a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) and incorporates the Duke of Edinburgh’s Business Award as a core part of the programme. 

To find out more about apprenticeship opportunities with Amey visit: https://www.amey.co.uk/your-career/early-careers/apprentices/ 

Amey training and work experience learning in 2020/21 is delivered virtually in accordance with Scottish Government guidance on social distancing and hygiene due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Follow us on Twitter @SWTrunkRoads

Charles RennIce MackinSlush: first new gritter name unveiled

SCOTTISH PUBLIC SUBMIT 1,200 NAMES FOR WINTER GRITTING VEHICLES

An appeal to name the 50-strong fleet of gritters covering 400 miles of Scotland’s trunk roads from Glasgow to Dumfries and through to Ayr and Stranraer, has received over 1,200 online entries; with the first of the successful nominations being revealed today.

“Charles RennIce MackinSlush”, in reference to the iconic Glaswegian artist and architect, is the first of the new gritter names to be announced.

This gritter will join existing gritters on the network including “Yes Sir, Ice Can Boogie”, “Buzz IceClear”, and IRN-BRU®’s “Grits You Thru”.

Other successful entrants will be posted on the @SWTrunkRoads Twitter account each day, in the coming weeks. The naming appeal, which is normally run in conjunction with local schools, was moved online this year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and opened to the wider Scottish public.

Many of the names submitted paid tribute to the recent passing of James Bond actor and Scottish icon Sir Sean Connery; and as a result five of the newly named vehicles will be badged in tribute to Sir Sean, and will reference several of the Bond movies. These are “Dr Snow”, “Coldfinger”, “You Only Grit Ice”, “On Her Majesty’s Slippery Surface” and “TroonRaker”!

The newly named gritters will be operated by Amey the company responsible for maintaining the Scottish South-West trunk road network on behalf of Transport Scotland. The appeal ran from 23rd December 2020 until 15th January 2021 attracting a record number of submissions. 

To support the travelling public, a free Winter Road Alerts service is available, providing real-time updates on weather-related incidents on the network.

An email address is all that is required to sign up for this service: https://swtrunkroads.scot/roadwork-alerts/

More details of NMC SW Winter Services can be found here: https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/48662/winter-service-plan-2020-2021-sw-unit.pdf

Our full NMC SW Winter Plan can be found on the Transport Scotland website: https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/48662/winter-service-plan-2020-2021-sw-unit.pdf

To report a problem on the network please visit: https://swtrunkroads.scot/report-a-problem/

Real-time journey information can be obtained by visiting www.trafficscotland.org  or via Twitter: @TrafficScotland

Amey appeal: Name that gritter!

Today, Amey announced its Winter Service Programme for the Scottish South-West Trunk Roads network (NMC SW), which it operates on behalf of Transport Scotland.

At the heart of the Winter Service, which runs until May 2021, is a fleet of new 56 Econ gritters and snowploughs, 16 new footpath gritters, 12 tractors and 115 Highways Operatives.

The winter service vehicles, in their distinctive bright orange livery, will become a regular sight on the trunk road network this winter.

Traditionally, Amey has run naming competitions with local schools to give each of these gritters a different identity – but this year, with the challenges of the coronavirus crisis and in the interests of safety this has not been possible.

Therefore, Amey is running an appeal asking the Scottish public to name the rest of the NMC SW gritter fleet. 

We have already started the ball rolling by naming one of our gritters, “Yes Sir, Ice Can Boogie”, in reference to the Scotland football team’s ‘unofficial’ anthem, and this has already proven to be a popular choice.

IRN-BRU® have also supported the appeal by running a competition to name a gritter, with “Grits You Through” being announced as the winner, today.

These vehicles follow in a proud tradition of gritters such as “Sir Salter Scott”, “David Plowie” and “Spready Mercury”. The naming appeal will run until Friday 15th January 2021, and winners will be announced between 23rd December until the closing date.

In addition, we are asking the public to name our new ‘mini’ footpath gritters in honour of Key Workers, Community Champions and Volunteers who have made a real difference to their communities during the pandemic.

Gritter and Mini-Gritter names can be submitted to Amey online via the NMC SW website: https://swtrunkroads.scot/winter-service/help-name-our-gritters/ and the winning gritters will be visible on the Traffic Scotland Gritter Tracker app: https://trafficscotland.org/wintergritterinfo/

With new Christmas Covid-19 restrictions being introduced for all but essential travel, Amey have developed a virtual Santa’s Grotto, which allows Amey staff and the public to take part in different festive fun events and support local charities.

This platform can be found here: https://swtrunkroads.scot/winter-service/visit-our-xmas-grotto/

The Winter Service for NMC SW is comprised of 27 Frontline Routes, 15 Patrol Routes and 12 Footway Routes (requiring 197km of winter treatment).

All the patrol vehicles are fitted with the latest Mobile Condition Monitoring Equipment, and all are fitted with Dash Cams. In addition, we will be using an innovative liquid brine solution on all our roads and footpaths, to provide more effective clearance of ice and snow.

In preparation for Winter in 2020 and 2021, Amey amassed 25,000 tonnes of road salt, 231,000 litre of Brine and 50,000 litres of Potassium Acetate, overseen by 10 Winter Service Duty Officers (WSDO), providing a 24/7 presence on the network.

To support the travelling public, a free Winter Road Alerts service is available, providing real-time updates on weather-related incidents on the network.

An email address is all that is required to sign up for this service: 

https://swtrunkroads.scot/roadwork-alerts/

More details of NMC SW Winter Services can be found here: 

https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/48662/winter-service-plan-2020-2021-sw-unit.pdf

Our full NMC SW Winter Plan can be found on the Transport Scotland website: 

https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/48662/winter-service-plan-2020-2021-sw-unit.pdf


To report a problem on the network please visit: 

https://swtrunkroads.scot/report-a-problem/

Real-time journey information can be obtained by visiting www.trafficscotland.org  or via Twitter: @TrafficScotland

Horsemeat: Amey apology ‘not enough’

AMEY, the private contractor responsible for providing school meals to a number of primary schools where mince containing horsemeat may have been served to children, has apologised to the City of Edinburgh Council and parents for ‘an unfortunate and unacceptable lack of communication’. The company has also made a donation to a children’s charity, but parents say the apology just doesn’t go far enough and questions must be answered.

The city council wrote to parents after results of its own tests on a batch of frozen mince taken in late February from the shared kitchen of Pirniehall and St David’s Primary Schools were confirmed, assuring them that there was no risk to their children’s health. Local primaries Craigroyston and Forthview were also among the schools affexted.

Amey Built Environment (Amey) has since responded to a request by the City of Edinburgh Council to explain why they failed to notify the Council of the presence of horsemeat in beef mince which they had used in school meals in six school kitchens on 8 March, and when they themselves were first alerted to the fact by their supplier, 3663.

The company has also provided a list of meals containing beef mince which were on the menu at each school in the five-week period between w/c 3 February 2013 and w/c 4 March 2013 and which may have contained mince from the affected batch which was later recalled by 3663.

During this period, one week was a holiday.  This information, together with a statement of explanation and apology from Amey, has been included in a letter which was sent to parents in the six affected schools on 4 April.

Councillor Paul Godzik, Education Convener, said: “As soon as we became aware through our own tests that mince containing a small percentage of horsemeat had been supplied to a number of our schools, we immediately took action by contacting parents to let them know. We also checked each of the school kitchens to make sure there was no mince from this batch remaining.

“It was only after we raised the issue with Amey that they advised us that this same batch had in fact been recalled by 3663 on 8 March. “It is unacceptable that the Council was not given this information immediately – had we known on 8 March, we could and would have alerted parents to this at that time. We are pleased that Amey have now apologised for this lack of communication and are grateful to them for their cooperation in this matter.

“Parents are quite right to expect the highest possible standards from the food their children are served at school and the Council prides itself on providing meals which are nutritious, satisfying and value-for-money. It is absolutely crucial therefore that any problems with the produce supplied to our school kitchens are flagged up to us immediately so that we can take appropriate action.”

Gillian Duggan, Managing Director of Amey Built Environment, said: “Recently we have commenced an investigation into how contaminated meat made its way into our supply chain at a date between February 2013 and 8 March 2013. Tests have revealed that a small amount of contaminated meat containing up to 5% horse DNA was served to six schools in Edinburgh before a product recall notice was issued by the meat supplier on 8 March 2013.

“Although checks confirmed no current stock of the contaminated meat in any of the premises, there has been an unfortunate and unacceptable lack of communication from Amey to the City of Edinburgh Council regarding this issue. This resulted in a delay in the Council being able to notify parents. We at Amey are very sorry this issue has occurred, and for any distress caused to parents, who quite rightly expect high standards.”

Ms Duggan added that Amey would be making a donation to the Scottish NSPCC on behalf of the schools affected and added that the company would be undertaking a review of its supply chain and an enhancement of their communication and escalation procedures.

However the apology and charity donation are not enough according to some parents. One West Pilton mother, with two children at a local primary school – who preferred not to be named – said: “Everyone’s been talking about it and I think most parents are disgusted with what has happened. You expect your bairns to get good quality dinners at school so this is really shocking – it’s like a breach of trust. Everybody wants to know how long this has been going on – I think parents have got a right to know, we deserve answers.  It’s very easy to say ‘sorry’ and making a donation to charity is easy for a big organisation like AMEY – they must make a fortune out of the PPP school contracts so that charity donation is sweeties for them.”

mince