The government and transport providers need to do more to prepare infrastructure and services for winter weather, according to a report from the House of Commons Transport Committee.
Committee chair Louise Ellman said: “Disruption to transport is not just caused by snow. We saw recently the impact of severe storms and flooding on transport services.
“We recognise that some progress has been made by Government and transport providers to improve public information and passenger welfare during severe weather.
“Nevertheless, we believe there remains considerable scope for further improvement across the transport sector.
The report is entitled: “Ready and waiting? Transport preparations for winter weather”. The committee wants the Highways Agency to review the barriers to providing comprehensive real-time information to drivers, and identify technological and other solutions for doing so, particularly during periods of disruption.
It pointed out that the availability of salt for gritting roads has improved with the establishment of the strategic salt reserve. However, more needed to be done to keep pavements clear of ice and snow.
