Cost effective ice prediction.

The use of ice prediction and monitoring systems to reduce the costs of winter maintenance and accidents are discussed. The three areas of thermal mapping, roadside measurement stations and forecasting software which make up such a system are considered individually. Thermal mapping, of the type devised by Vaisala TMI, compares the variation in road temperature which will occur across a road network for any given night. Utilising forecasting software, information from roadside weather stations is used to predict icy conditions. The use of the system by UK authorities is described, in particular the use of thermal mapping to optimise salting routes and the resulting savings. The use of ice prediction systems with porous asphalt is considered.