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Roads: Snow and Ice

Volume 492: debated on Tuesday 5 May 2009

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment has been made of the effect of the extreme weather in winter 2008-09 on the condition of roads for which the Highways Agency is responsible; and what funding will be made available to assist with repairs. (271276)

No special assessment has been made of the effect of the extreme weather incurred during 2008-09 on the condition of the network. However, the Highways Agency carries out regular network condition surveys and timely safety inspections to ensure appropriate funds are allocated to maintain the network in a safe and serviceable condition. The Highways Agency's experience is that road defects due to extreme weather are likely to be safety related, which are treated promptly as part of the routine and winter maintenance programme. Costs for treating such defects are small and are managed using the overall allocated maintenance expenditure.