London’s authorities detail plans to keep London moving

City Hall, London’s boroughs and Transport for London have set out the measures being implemented to keep London moving during any bad weathe.

The organisations say plans are in place to ensure the public transport network and key road routes routes remain open throughout even the most severe weather.
 
TfL says it has stockpiled more than 22,000 tonnes of salt which will help it keep its roads open while a 27,000 tonne reserve stock is available to boost levels held by local authorities.
 
Boroughs and TfL have agreed a list of “core” bus routes, garages and bus stands which should be kept running.

In February 2009 heavy snow saw London’s entire bus fleet confined to its garages as Mayor of London Boris Johnson and London’s boroughs faced criticism for failing to properly prepare and ensure roads were gritted.

In addition to plans to keep the roads network open, London Underground and London Rail say they have plans in place to ensure that points do not become frozen. 

In addition LU says an ‘Ice Mode’ on the new Metropolitan line ‘S’ stock trains will help prevent the trains them from getting stuck while measures will be implemented in the Circle line to prevent the brake and door systems on the trains from becoming defective. 

There are also plans to ensure Dial a Ride and Victoria Coach Station can continue to function.
 
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Across all our roads and rails hundreds of workers are on standby to ensure that, should we receive a mega deposit of snow, we are in a position to keep the capital moving. 

“With more than 100,000 tonnes of salt and an army of gritters, de-icers and specially adapted Tube carriages, together we will ensure that coordinated and swift action is taken to keep Londoners on the move.”
  
Peter Hendy, London’s Transport Commissioner said: “We have made detailed preparations and have well-rehearsed procedures in place should we face severe weather conditions.
 
“Working closely with London’s boroughs, we’ve ensured that there is a fully co-ordinated response for all modes of traffic across the Capital, as well as a 27,000 tonne salt reserve for TfL and the boroughs to fall back on should supplies run low.”
 
Nick Lester, London Councils Corporate Director of Services, said: “London’s boroughs are working hard together and with all of our partners to ensure that we have an effective action plan to keep the capital running as smoothly as possible in severe weather.
 
“Councils are working with their communities too. Many have introduced neighbourhood schemes to help people who want to keep pavements, roads and driveways clear of ice and snow, offering training and equipment like shovels, salt and grit.”
 
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