Sue Percy CBE, Chief Executive of CIHT, has been featured in a BBC News investigation examining the growing impact of extreme heat on the UK's road network and the challenges facing highway authorities as climate change continues to affect transport infrastructure.

The article explores how increasing temperatures are contributing to more frequent cases of roads softening and melting, placing additional pressures on networks that were largely designed for cooler weather conditions. The investigation found that more than 200 incidents were reported across the East of England over the past four years.

Commenting on the findings, Sue Percy highlighted the need to recognise that climate change is already having a tangible impact on transport infrastructure.

Climate disruption is no longer a future challenge. Highway authorities and transport operators are already seeing the effects of higher temperatures and more extreme weather on the transport network. When transport networks are disrupted by extreme heat, the consequences go beyond damaged infrastructure. Communities can lose access to jobs and essential services, businesses face delays and disruption, and the wider economy suffers.

Sue's contribution reflects CIHT's role as a leading voice on the future of highways and transportation, and the Institution's wider work to support the sector in responding to the challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather. Through research, professional guidance, events and thought leadership, CIHT continues to promote resilient, sustainable transport networks that can withstand increasingly frequent climate-related impacts.

Most recently, CIHT published All Hazards Operational Guidance: Responding to Climate Disruption, a guide which supports highways authorities and infrastructure managers in identifying, assessing and responding to a wide range of risks, including extreme heat, flooding and severe weather events. The guide highlights the importance of adopting a long-term, risk-based approach to managing transport assets and ensuring networks remain operational during periods of disruption. Download the guidance: Responding to climate disruption.

As the effects of climate change become increasingly visible across the transport network, CIHT will continue to champion the expertise of highways and transportation professionals who are helping to build safer, more resilient and more sustainable infrastructure for future generations.

Read the full BBC article: Over 200 melted road reports in East of England over four years.