9/1/10 25% Reduction in Road Salting ordered

Ministers have today asked highway authorities to reduce their salt usage by 25% to help manage the exceptional pressure on salt supplies caused by the most prolonged spell of cold weather in the UK in almost 30 years.  This reduction will apply equally to the Highways Agency, and councils. 



For councils, this will mean:

  • Restricting treatment to published priority networks only, and in many cases

  • Reducing treatment to a smaller resilience network should further reduction of networks treated become necessary;

  • Where they have not already done so, reduce the rate of salt use in treatments;

  • For minor roads and where snow has already settled, use grit only, when resources permit; and;

  • Step up their commitment to provide mutual aid to neighbouring authorities

A national approach will ensure that the responsibility for managing these reductions and bearing the disruptions is equally distributed.  It is for councils to decide how best to implement these reductions in their own areas.  A more planned approach will allow the salt supply to be stretched further and for contingency plans for public services to be implemented



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