London transport bosses prepared for weekend cold and snow

A FLEET of lorries are on standby for possible snow showers and icy conditions in London over the weekend.

With temperatures unlikely to rise much above zero and possible snowfall predicted, transport bosses have moved quickly to prepare the capital for the effects.

Transport for London has double its salt stocks from 9,000 to 18,000 tonnes, which will be used to treat the main arterial roads in the capital.

Across London, there are 90,000 tonnes of salt stored by the 33 local authorities, with supplies also in place for use on London Underground, Overground and DLR platforms.

The Mayor was criticised for his response to the cold snap last year and has responded early to the first freezing conditions of this season.

Kulveer Ranger, the Mayors Transport Advisor, said: “These salt mountains clearly illustrate our preparations for the cold weather this winter. We have carefully looked at how we dealt with last year’s cold snap and have improved this year’s plans to make sure we are well placed to be able to keep Londoners safely on the move.”

London’s Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy, added: “Transport for London has well developed plans to deal with cold weather, which we will put into action as necessary, working closely with our partners in the London boroughs, the emergency services and Network Rail.

“Our fleet of 38 gritters and 10 gritting quad bikes will be operating across the Transport for London Road Network, ensuring that the Capital’s key roads, as well as access roads to bus garages, are gritted. All other TfL services are also preparing for any cold weather that comes our way to keep London moving throughout the winter months.”

Temperatures are set to plunge as low as -4 in London on Sunday, with light snow showers forecast.