Sixty three recommendations for improving the resilience of the transport network in extreme weather have been published by the Department for Transport.

DfT's Transport Resilience Review says that before the end of this year all transport operators should have contingency plans in place for dealing with extreme weather.

For local roads it is recommended that local highway authorities identify a 'resilient network' to which they will give priority to maintain economic activity and access to key services during extreme weather.

On railways it is recommended that Network Rail develops plans to raise track heights and line side equipment on sections of track at risk of flooding.

Longer term, the report recommends that the DfT and the Treasury ensure that funding decisions for road and rail do not unduly restrict maintenance and resource expenditure.

On strategic roads the report says that the Highways Agency should complete its drainage asset inventory and review the range and wording of messages displayed on variable message signs at times of disruption.

Local highway authorities are urged to develop, maintain and work to asset management plans and the DfT is recommended to proceed with its plan to use a proportion of funding to encourage development and adoption of these plans.

The report was commissioned in March following extreme weather last winter and was carried out by former Eurostar chairman Richard Brown. CIHT provided a written submission and took part in an oral evidence session as part of the review this spring.

Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "Transport operators on the whole responded well to last winter’s series of extreme weather events, but there were clear areas of weakness.

"I therefore welcome the practical measures identified to improve the transport network’s performance further at times of disruption."

(Photo: BigshotD3)

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