Transport for London (TfL), along with the 32 London boroughs and the City of London, are reassuring Londoners that the Capital will keep moving in the event of wintry weather.
Forecasters predict that London may experience its first significant snowfall for three years during the course of this evening (12 Jan) .
TfL, councils and the emergency services have developed coordinated plans to keep the rail and road networks open and running in the event of severe weather – including key arterial roads, cycle routes and footways around bus and railway stations, hospitals and police, fire and ambulance stations across London.
More than 100,000 tonnes of salt are stockpiled at key locations across the Capital – enough to treat icy roads for up to 139 days.
TfL has a fleet of 39 low-emission road gritters, all of which can be fitted with ploughs, as well as gritting quad bikes and flatbed trucks to keep roads and pavements clear. TfL and London boroughs will also ensure that Cycle Superhighways and other cycling routes remain safe to use.
Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport, TfL, said: “We want to reassure our customers that we have a well-rehearsed and thorough plan in place, alongside London councils, to keep our road and rail networks operating during snow and ice.
“Our staff work hard throughout the winter gritting the roads, de-icing the rails and keeping platforms safe and accessible for the travelling public.”
Cllr Julian Bell, chair of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee, said: “London boroughs are responsible for 95% of London’s roads and have been working on plans with TfL and other partners to ensure key routes are kept open for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
“Please check travel advice before embarking on a journey in adverse conditions. Contact your borough if you need information on what else is happening in your area, including school closures.”
Photo: Andrew Bunday via Flickr. Use under the Creative Commons Act.
12 January 2017