Concils 'confident' over winter salt stockpiles

COUNCILS are confident they can cope with bad-weather conditions on the roads this winter.

A survey shows that local authorities in England and Wales have stockpiled more salt for this winter than last.

A total of 1.3 million tonnes was stockpiled for winter 2012/13 and the Local Government Association (LGA) shows that 95% of councils are either maintaining or increasing stock levels this winter.

The poll also showed that about half of local authorities plan to work alongside neighbouring councils to share equipment and salt.

Councils are also embracing innovative methods of tackling winter weather with 82% using GPS trackers on their gritters this year and others using liquid de-icers, brine and sugar-coated salt which is less likely to be blown off roads by wind or traffic.

The LGA's economy and transport board chairman Peter Box said: "Last month's St Jude storm proved that councils continue to rise to the challenge presented by the adverse weather this country can face and being prepared for winter remains a priority for councils.

"Despite tough financial times, councils are investing in new gritting equipment, exploring innovative techniques to tackle snow and frost and working alongside neighbouring councils and community groups."

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: "The country's ability to cope with adverse winter weather like snow and ice has improved dramatically since the shortage of road salt we experienced in the winter of 2009/2010.

"The cold weather earlier this year certainly had far less impact on the road network than it could have done if councils and the Highways Agency had not been so well prepared.

“We hope that councils' stockpiles of salt do not have to be used too often this winter and if the weather is as bad as some forecasters predict, that their confidence proves to be justified."

By Peter Woodman, Press Association Transport Correspondent