MPs slam Boris over snow chaos

The Transport Select Committee of MPs said better coordination, not more money, would have enabled London’s transport system to deal with the crippling snow.

Committee chair Louise Ellman MP said, “The travel disruption at the beginning of February was unsatisfactory. While the unusually heavy snow fall meant that some disruption was inevitable, it is vital that all those involved ensure that winter maintenance plans and crisis responses are reconsidered so as to minimise disruption in the future.”

The report concluded that: “Our witnesses were very clear that extra money, increased salt stocks or more snow ploughs are not the solution to dealing with snow and ice on UK roads,” and reserved special mention to Local Authorities, who: “have not already done so to look at their response to the heavy snow. Everyone involved needs to examine any weaknesses or potential improvements to emergency plans that may have emerged from the events on 1-2 February.”

However, Ellman reserved special comment for London Mayor Boris Johnson, who dramatically stormed out of his evidence session to MPs, following repeated questions about his role during the snowfall.

Ellman said: “Strong co-ordination, clear priorities and visible leadership are all vital to the success and speed with which any public authority can respond to severe weather. Many factors made disruption unavoidable in early February.

“Whilst operational decisions must be taken by the professionals, more active strategic leadership from Mayor Johnson and more practical effort on his part to oversee preparations for a rare but forecast event, could have given the public far more confidence and might have ensured public transport services were restored much more quickly.”

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