Councils will have to work more closely together as well as improve links with contractors and agencies to avoid a repeat of February's snow gridlock, MPs have warned.Members of the transport select committee called on local highway authorities to consult with agencies, including bus and train operators, to see what action was needed to help minimise disruption to public transport services, and include such action in their plans.Their inquiry follows severe weather which hit the country on 1 and 2 February, when local authorities ran out of salt stocks and London's public transport network effectively collapsed.The committee found conflicting evidence on prioritisation of winter maintenance activities, despite highway authorities' efforts to treat key and promoted routes. The transport secretary was urged to issue new guidance to councils and the agencies involved. The LGA had defended the response to what was the worst snowfall in decades, but MPs said better planning was needed.
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