Councils running low on grit

11 January 2010

Local councils are finding their grit levels running low because of the recent spate of snow and cold weather.

Categories: Local government

By Helen Mayson

Emergency measures have been put in place to reduce the 60,000 tonnes of grit being used on icy roads each day across the country, with local authorities aiming to slash their usage by a quarter.

Chemical company Ineos has diverted 12,000 tonnes of salt previously earmarked for food and chlorine production in Germany to the worst affected areas, including East Yorkshire, Pembrokeshire, Fife and Sheffield.

The Highways Agency has stopped treating motorway hard shoulders in a bid to preserve salt supplies.

Commenting in the situation, David Sparks, chair of the Local Government Association Transport and Regeneration Board, said: "Councils will continue to work tirelessly to keep roads clear, people safe and essential services working. They will work together with others to economise salt usage and make sure salt gets to where it is needed most."

He added that, in line with Government recommendations, councils will focus on gritting major routes and roads near public services so hospitals can stay open and food and fuel supplies can be delivered.

Heavy snowfall is forecast for parts of south-west England and South Wales on Tuesday as an Atlantic weather system moves in against the cold air, according to the Met Office. Elsewhere, the very cold weather has eased its grip slightly across much of the country. Daytime temperatures will be above freezing across many areas, leading to a slow thaw; however, frosts are still expected at night – causing icy roads.
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