As further snow warnings issued, FTA praises highway authorities for helping to keep essential traffic moving

Thursday 09 February 2012

The Highways Agency and local authorities deserve credit for learning hard won lessons from last year to ensure that the road network remained largely operational for essential traffic during the recent severe weather. So says the Freight Transport Association, whose members account for approximately half the UK's road freight vehicles.

During the latest severe cold snap, the authorities worked hard to clear the road network across those areas worst affected by snow, ice and sleet, allowing essential traffic to perform its vital job. With more snow and ice forecast it is essential that these efforts are maintained.

Theo de Pencier, FTA's chief executive, said:

"Industry feedback suggests that the various agencies and councils with responsibility for keeping our roads network serviceable did a good job during the latest period of severe weather. Recommendations on winter resilience planning following last year’s travel chaos have clearly been acted on, with local councils apparently well-stocked with road salt and accurate and timely weather alerts, allowing transport operators to react intelligently. This is not just good news for truck operators but the communities, businesses and residents that constantly rely on them.

"It is important that highways authorities keep up this standard of support in the face of further uncertain weather conditions. It is equally important that all road users heed travel advice with common sense and responsibility. While it is essential that some parts of the supply chain 'get through' whatever the weather, motorists should avoid making unnecessary journeys during severe weather alerts for their safety and those they share the road with."

With an amber snow alert warning issued by the Highways Agency this morning, it is vital that lorry operators are kept armed with up-to-date and reliable information on road and weather conditions to make informed decisions regarding their transport operations.

The FTA website includes:

• advice for operators and drivers on how to deal with the severe conditions
• the latest weather information from the Met Office
• traffic RSS feeds for up-to-the-minute information on the roads in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Notes for editors

FTA members can sign up to the FTA traffic information email service by emailing traffic@fta.co.uk

FTA Press Office

01892 552255
press.office@fta.co.uk