Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram has appointed one of the UK’s most respected transport leaders to review the rail industry’s winter weather planning, following this month’s severe disruption on the Merseyrail network.

Transport Commissioner for Greater Manchester Vernon Everitt will lead an independent and objective review of the rail industry’s winter preparations for the Merseyrail network and its response to the snow and freezing temperatures that sparked major disruption on January 9.

The review will also consider the industry’s wider winter planning process and whether lessons have been learned from previous cold snaps.

The announcement comes on the same day representatives from Merseyrail, Network Rail and train manufacturer Stadler appeared before the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority’s Transport Committee to explain why the network ground to a halt on January 9, causing long delays and cancellations, as well as outline the industry’s ongoing readiness to deal with winter conditions.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:

 “The recent disruption on our rail network was completely unacceptable and had a significant impact on our residents who rely on trains to get to work, school and important appointments.

“With the appointment of Vernon Everitt to lead this independent review, we’re taking a thorough, impartial look at how the rail industry plans for and responds to extreme weather. Vernon brings with him a wealth of experience in the transport sector, and his expertise will be invaluable in ensuring we learn from this and improve our winter preparedness.

“My priority is making sure that passengers in the Liverpool City Region not only have a reliable transport system, but that they receive clear communication from Merseyrail in the event of impacted services.”

Vernon Everitt is also a Non-Executive Director on the Board of Transport for Wales and was previously Transport for London’s Managing Director for Customers, Communication and Technology.

The findings of the review will be presented to the next transport committee on Thursday 20 March.