The British Horse Society South West Region

UPDATE ON MANHOLE COVERS AND ROAD SURFACE DRESSINGS

10 October 2004

MANHOLE COVERS

A new European Standard has been in draft stage. The standard was much improved on the existing one but still did not take into account problems relating to 'polished' worn surfaces. We have been working with the British representatives on the relevant committee to try and get this amended so that it ensured that not only does the new standard ensure permanent 'non-slip' surfaces but also that the covers are made from stronger materials. At the request of the representatives to the EU who will be putting the case, we also gathered user evidence on bad experiences in order to assist with our request.

A meeting was held yesterday, at the end of the statutory consultation period, to discuss the UK’s response to the draft European Standard on skid/slip of manhole covers. As a direct result of our input through the various written evidence we have received, I am happy to report that there was almost unanimous agreement by those present at the meeting, on the need to include an effective skid/slip requirement. This will go forward to the EU Standard Setting Committee, as the UK committee’s comment.

It now remains to be seen if the UK committee can carry the other countries on this one – however it is suspected that the manufacturers’ dominance on other countries committees may be the difficult hurdle. The ‘trump card’ the UK hope to play, should things not go well, will be the CEN mandate that puts safety as priority number one.

I was asked to pass on thanks to the members who put forward strong points in favour of skid/slip being adequately covered.

ROAD SURFACE DRESSING

We are still receiving user evidence of problems regarding SMA on roads but are awaiting update from Alun Michael as to what action is to be taken. We have been contacted by the County Surveyors Society who wish to work with us to try and address the problems we face at present and have also been in touch with the National Association of Farriers & Blacksmiths who we hope will be discussing the problem at their meeting next week.

The same person who represents the UK in EU discussions regarding manhole covers, also deals in the same capacity with road surfacing and has been our advisory link regarding Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) which has an EU standard. It has always been maintained that not all slippery surfaces can be attributed to SMA and recently we heard, through a widely circulating email, that Northumberland County Council have been looking at alternatives. We are advised that this surface is likely to refer to the base material that would then probably receive a surface course. It is the surface course that will be of importance to horse riders. It is possible to use a range of surface types ranging from surface dressing to SMA. For rural roads it is quite common to surface dress and this should provide a good surface for horses although October is usually a bit late in the year for this process. It is worthwhile checking with the local Highway Engineers for clarification where roads are receiving treatment.

SOURCE: SHEILA HARDY

1 st October 2004