LTB 1132/10 - 'Snow Socks' - Royal Mail & Parcelforce

[brothermagrew]

LTB No. 1132/10
Ref E4
Date: 20 December 2010

To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues

'Snow Socks' - Royal Mail & Parcelforce

Both Royal Mail Letters and Parcelforce have now confirmed that the above product is now available for ordering by Regions and Areas to order as required.

This new product has been evaluated and made available by Fleet and Maintenance Services this winter. The product commonly known as "Snow Socks" or "AutoSocks" is in common use in mainland Europe and came to the notice of F&MS following the harsh UK winter of 2009/2010. It is a Nylon / Kevlar cover that is placed over the drive wheels of a vehicle when stuck in snow or Ice. The "AutoSock" product has been endorsed by the AA, RAC and all major car/light commercial Vehicle manufacturers. Parcelforce has asked F&MS/Vehicle Services to supply this equipment to all Parcelforce depots. Royal Mail Letters Regions and Areas may order the product as required on the basis of an assessment of local conditions.

The fabric Snow Socks are designed to increase vehicle traction and grip in snow and ice conditions and so help drivers handle difficult road conditions.
"Snow Socks" are a quick, easy to fit, fabric alternative to snow chains. Snow socks are textile 'socks' which the driver slips over the driving wheels on cars or light commercial vehicles.

On front wheel drive and 4x4 vehicles the snow socks are put over the front tyres. On rear wheel drive vehicles the Snow Socks are fitted on rear and front wheels. There is only one possible way to fit the Snow Socks, so not much practice is needed. Snow Socks are reusable and take up minimal space in the vehicle when not in use.

Snow and Ice sticks to the specially developed fabric textile Snow Socks and the product "wicks away" any water between the ground and the tyre, improving the dry friction grip. The textile also has a special weave which maximises the friction contact with the ground. If driving where there is a constant amount of snow and ice, then snow chains may be best. Where there is only snow now and then, such as in the UK and Western Europe however, experts suggest that snow socks may be preferred. Fitting a snow sock is also easier than snow chains as there is nothing to adjust and they automatically self centre as the vehicle drives. Since there is no metal chain in contact with the road, snow socks are smooth running with no vibrations or noise being apparent unlike snow
chains. Snow Socks should be removed once the vehicle is back onto tarmac, otherwise the fabric of the snow sock will soon get worn and destroyed.

Fleet and Maintenance Services advise that a surprising difference is made by the fabric Snow Socks to general traction, cornering, and braking. They are normally fitted in pairs rather than fours. However, in respect of rear wheel drive vehicles snow socks are fitted on the front and rear wheels in a set of four to ensure that steering characteristics are not adversely affected. We have asked that these important points are suitably briefed to all drivers in clear instructions.

We would welcome feedback on this kit.



Yours Sincerely

Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

Attachments:

- Snow Socks Parts Ordering Doc
- Snow Socks Installation and User Guide
- Snow Socks Safe System of Work
- Snow Socks Safety Concurrence


Attachments will be uploaded to Dowloads Forum

[stokes11eg]

Get them in time for spring, no doubt.

[Stormproof]

I saw these on the TV the other day, it'll be a lot faffing about if you have to go on/off tarmac because they will have to come off on cleared roads.
I always make sure I've a few spare sacks in the back of the van to put under the wheels if I get stuck.