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Capability Assessment Toolkit 3
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Severe Weather Alert - First Use
February 2008
In October 2007 the Highways Agency rolled out its severe weather alert system. Since then it has been used twice. This article outlines the first use on the 15th January 2008.
How the system works
The severe weather alert system was explained in detail in the October bulletin. This is a brief summary of that information. The Highways Agency receives bespoke weather forecasts for its network 24/7 from the Met Office advisors at the National Traffic Control Centre (NTCC). These advisors use probability based forecasting techniques to determine the likelihood of the weather conditions meeting certain criteria. If the forecasts are such that the weather is likely to disrupt traffic and / or present a specific hazard to drivers then an alert is issued.
Amber Alert
The long range forecasts had been showing a threat of high winds during the days before the alert was actually issued . On the morning of 15th January the forcast probability was that wind speeds would exceed the 70mph threshold. With this information the decision was taken by senior Highways Agency staff, in conjunction with the forecast providers, to issue the amber alert.
This prompted a range of activities. The Press Officer immediately composed and issued relevant notices to the media about the high winds and the alert status. The Regional Control Centres were aware of the risk of disruption and could ensure preparations were in made for this. Service Providers similarly could ensure the network was ready for the high winds by removing traffic management where possible etc.
One of the most important actions was the notification of bodies such as the Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association. They were then able to warn their members of the risk to high sided vehicles.
The winds did gather speed during the day and reached 70mph at their peak. Even with these conditions there were no blow-overs on the Highways Agency’s network meaning traffic could keep moving throughout the severe weather event. It is impossible to prove that the amber alert prevented any large goods vehicle (LGV) blow-over incidents but it probably helped to avoid them. Simply by ensuring preparations were made, it also ensured that any incident that did occur could be managed quickly and efficiently.
The alert system has proved successful with the Road Haulage Association and Freight Transport Association. However the Highways Agency is constantly striving to improve the service and is working with forecasters to ensure accuracy of the severe weather alert system. Work is also ongoing within the Highways Agency to develop suitable responses and protocols from the intelligence gathered from the issue of the alert. This likely to be focussed around deployment and resourcing strategies.
Has this article been worthwhile reading? Why not take a moment to send us your comments, thoughts or questions. Please e-mail TIMbulletin@highways.gsi.gov.uk.
