Posted on 3 December 2010

Government to review transport in light of snow chaos

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The Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has said that the government will examine the performance of transport operators after parts of the country came to a standstill in the heavy snow.

Edinburgh and Gatwick airports remained closed as both road and rail users were left frustrated by the major delays they were experiencing as a result of some of the heaviest snowfall seen in November and early December for many years. Mr Hammond, responding to criticism of disruption, said that the country was better prepared for the weather than at the same stage last year but added: “Unfortunately, in extreme weather conditions some disruption is inevitable but there is no excuse for poor communication with passengers and motorists."

West Yorkshire suffered a heavy snowfall yesterday which brought hundreds of school closures and the cancellation of many bus and train services. A spokesman for the Metro bus company said that only services on major routes were operating and “estates were not being reached as drivers were having difficulty on side roads”.

The emergency services worked through the night trying to rescue stranded passengers with many having to abandon their vehicles even on main routes.

Alan Wilcock, of the RAC, said: “This disruption is incredibly frustrating, but it's vital drivers take extra care. In the worst affected areas, if you can avoid using the car or can work from home, then do so. If you do have to travel it's important that all snow is cleared off the car as this can be very dangerous for yourself, pedestrians and other drivers. We're still seeing cars on the road looking like portable snow drifts which could see drivers falling foul of the law.”