The Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA) has welcomed the Government’s support and recognition of the importance of continuing essential road maintenance works during the current challenging times resulting from the Covid 19 pandemic.
A letter from Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Transport Minister for Road, Buses and Places, has been sent out to the UK’s highway construction and maintenance sector. The letter thanks highways maintenance and construction workers for “doing an outstanding job under extremely challenging circumstances” and emphasises the need to maintain the resilience of the road network. In particular, Baroness Vere called for the industry to not only, whilst ensuring proper social distancing guidance, adopt as close to a ‘business as usual’ approach as possible, but to examine opportunities to accelerate road works whilst roads are quieter than normal.
Rory O’Connor, RSTA Interim Chief Executive, responded: “The recognition of the essential role that highway maintenance has in keeping Britain moving is welcomed. A well-maintained road network is critical for ensuring the safe travel of NHS staff and emergency workers and for the efficient movement of medical supplies, food and other goods.
The surface treatments season runs from April through to September and so it is essential that highway maintenance programmes are implemented before the winter. Therefore, whilst ensuring safe working practices and social distancing, our sector is continuing to work under exceptional circumstances and I would like to echo Baroness Vere in thanking our members and their staff for their continued dedication and commitment.”