CIHT endorses the findings of the UKRLG winter service review that was reported in July 2009. This review recognised that many authorities would be unable to fully adopt the recommendations of the report by this winter. For example, to increase salt storage capacity, authorities would have to purchase additional land or they would need to build new salt barns.
Many local authorities have been doing a lot of good work following the report, by increasing their ordering of salt supplies and also taking the decision to invest in infrastructure by building salt domes to increase capacity. But the reality is that any investment of this nature has to go through funding approval, design and planning and then ultimately a construction phase. The major routes and networks have been kept mostly clear through the work of CIHT members but it is apparent that Local Authorities have not had the resources to cope with this extreme weather event.
Although this is still a relatively rare occurrence, particularly in relation to the length of time this current cold snap has lasted, there is a need for the UK governments to invest in the required infrastructure to reduce the impact of adverse weather conditions.
CIHT believe it is vital that drivers on the UK Network adapt to the changing conditions, individuals must take responsibility for any journeys they undertake. The majority of salt used on the UK’s roads becomes far less effective at certain temperatures and there are examples of best practice in other countries such as Sweden and Denmark (www.vti.se or www.vv.se/english) where alternative technologies are used.
The UK Governments need to manage expectations concerning what infrastructure should be provided, for example does the UK Public want to invest in solutions that would not be used for a significant proportion of any year.
Notes to editors
Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation
CIHT is a membership organisation representing over 12,000 people who work in the highways and transportation sector.
CIHT members design, build, operate and maintain best-in-class transport systems and infrastructure, whilst respecting the imperatives of improving safety, ensuring economic competitiveness and minimising environmental impact.
CIHT supports its member’s professional endeavours by:
· offering training, information, professional development and support
· promoting the value added to society by the profession
· being the focused voice to Governments and other decision makers on transportation expertise and knowledge.
For more information please contact Daniel Isichei, Director of Communications, CIHT on t: +44 (0) 20 7336 1567 e: Daniel.Isichei@ciht.org.uk
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