New report Britain risks grinding to a halt in severe weather :: PublicTechnology.net :: e-Government & public sector IT news + job vacancies:

Britain risks grinding to a halt in the event of another severe winter. That is the stark message from a new report by the Local Government Association published yesterday.

The report for the LGA, which represents councils in England and Wales, looks at what councils, businesses, transport operators and the public can learn from events last February, when freezing weather and snowfalls caused parts of the country to almost come to a standstill. It criticises the quality of the service train and bus companies were able to run and says that businesses could have done more to prepare for the severe weather.

According to the report, Network Rail and train companies should install new equipment to make sure that trains can keep running in cold weather and both train and bus companies should be better prepared to operate revised services. The report also says that too few businesses have contingency plans in place so that employees know what to do when bad weather strikes and where possible, they can work from home.

The report says that while it may not be a good use of council taxpayers’ money for councils to stockpile more salt, the UK is almost entirely reliant on just two companies for supplying grit for the roads. It criticises salt suppliers for failing to admit that they were struggling to meet demand during last years’ crisis, as this would have allowed councils to find alternative supplies.

Cllr David Sparks, Chairman of the LGA Transport and Regeneration Board, said:

“When we get bad weather this country should not grind to a halt. The rest of the world manages to keep going and so should we. It is high time Network Rail and the train companies tackled problems like freezing points and ice on overhead wires that often occur on our railways during winter.

“When there is heavy snowfall people are advised to stay off the roads so it is more important than ever that buses and trains keep running. There needs to be better plans in place for operating revised services so train and bus companies do not leave people stranded with no idea how to get home.

“In a time of crisis, salt suppliers need to be upfront with councils and the highways agency about what they can deliver and when. If they are to keep people moving, councils need to make sure there is enough slack in the system for supplying salt.

“It is essential both for people’s safety and the economy that we are properly prepared for extreme weather. Businesses should have plans in place so that when severe weather happens, their staff do not have to drive on dangerous roads and their work is disrupted as little as possible.

“In light of last February’s experience, councils have been reviewing how they cope with winter weather. Better systems are in place to make sure councils don't run out of salt if problems arise. Councils are ready to work with bus and train companies to ensure that when cold weather hits, people can get to work and make it home safely again.”