MPs Call For Action Over Winter Travel Mayhem

The UK’s road network is still exposed to further winter weather disruption and the Highways Agency needs to do more to keep Britain moving, that’s according to the Transport Select Committee.

While there was praise for the increased supply of road salt from gritting lorries in December – the Commons Committee warns further improvements must be made before it is satisfied.

In its Winter Resilience Report, the Committee said that more should be done by the Highways Agency to review the barriers to providing real-time information to drivers on conditions on the roads.

Committee Chair, Louise Ellman, said: “The availability of salt for gritting roads has improved with the establishment of the strategic salt reserve. However, more should be done to keep pavements clear of ice and snow.

“Embedding a culture of continuous review and improvement must remain a priority for government. A year or two of mild winter weather should never breed complacency or lead to a false sense of security.”

The Committee’s report warned central government and the Highways Agency not to become complacent because of mild conditions.

It called on the government to continue to provide annual updates for councils on how to access strategic salt stocks and urged the Highways Agency to organise annual exercises with local authorities to ensure that they have an up-to-date practical understanding of how to access the reserves.

The MPs also claimed the public are still unaware they can clear snow and ice from pavements without fear of legal action and called on ministers to use an advertising campaign to dispel the myth.

(Image courtesty of freedigitalphotos.net)