The Transport Select Committee (TSC) today published its report on transport preparations for winter weather noting that improvements had been made over recent years but more action is required. 

The report highlighted just how vital transport is to the economy and that a lack of preparedness for winter weather has a direct impact on the movement of people and goods and on the economy as a whole.

The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) welcomes this report and the emphasis made to improve public information, particularly through the use of up-to-date real time information. This point, along with the safety of users of the network was made by the Institution in their written evidence to the select committee.

The report also draws on evidence submitted by CIHT highlighting that transport infrastructure providers and operators are aware of the importance of cross-sector planning and coordination in response to winter disruptions.

The TSC report stated that more should be done to keep pavements clear of ice and snow. CIHT supports this view and in their written evidence stated treatment of footways and cycleways is an important component of the local network and needs to be recognised in winter maintenance strategies.

CIHT Chief Executive Sue Percy said: “Budgets for the transport sector need to be set at a sufficient level and with a degree of certainty to ensure a robust response to adverse winter weather. It is therefore welcome that the committee acknowledges that a year or two of mild winter weather should not lead to complacency and the need to continue to deliver improvements in dealing with adverse weather conditions.”
 

Read the full report here: Ready and waiting? Transport preparations for winter weather
To see the written evidence from CIHT click here.