I have recently written to the Chief Executive of West Sussex County Council seeking his assurances that as local highways authority, it is adequately prepared ahead of an anticipated cold and wet winter during which potholes and other highway defects can prove a huge source of frustration for local residents.
Last winter certainly had a significant effect on the condition of our roads and proved an understandable challenge for the Council to keep pace with the necessary repairs. The combined impact of last year’s wet weather, followed by another tough winter, caused over 30,000 potholes and damage estimated at nearly £10 million.
This summer a large county-wide programme of surface dressing (tar and chipping) was carried out to help prevent pot holes from occurring and I welcome the County Council’s efforts to work closely with Crawley Borough Council to prepare Winter Plans and to increase its resource commitment to support local communities to take action required in their local area to supplement the core service provided by the County Council.
With the weather now turning cold, I have emphasised the need, however, for West Sussex County Council to ensure that it puts in place a sustainable investment strategy to create resilience in the more than 2,500 mile network of West Sussex highway, particularly for the economically important Crawley and Gatwick area. I very much welcome the Council’s engaging idea to have local schoolchildren name their gritter lorries!
I have also sought and received assurances from the responsible Transport Minister that they have plans in place to manage the impact of another severe winter weather, including guaranteeing road access to Gatwick Airport, Crawley Hospital, local rail stations, bus depots and fire stations.
The Department for Transport is monitoring road salt stocks at regular intervals and has ensured that Crawley is supported by a fleet of gritting vehicles equipped with GPS technology so as to better manage salt spreading. In addition, in light of last winter’s severe weather conditions, the Highways Agency has reviewed and subsequently updated its plan for managing the M23 and A23 to ensure against gridlock.
With regard to our town’s rail links, I understand that Network Rail have invested £29 million in installing over 23 miles of conductor rail heating strips at critical locations along the line.
I would urge residents to notify West Sussex Highways Maintenance of hazardous potholes by telephoning the team directly on: 01243 642105; or via their website http://love.westsussex.gov.uk/Reports
Next month I am scheduled to visit Gatwick Airport to tour their snow clearing equipment and teams. Last year their readiness was in stark contrast to Heathrow where they were forced to close.
Henry Smith MP