Highways Agency supports salt strapped councils

Highways Agency vehicles are today making deliveries of salt to hard-pressed local authorities.

The move is part of continuing coordination managed by the Government, the Highways Agency and the Local Government Association. All new salt supplies produced today will go to those local authorities most in need rather than the Highways Agency. Deliveries will be carried out using vehicles provided by the Highways Agency's maintenance contractors.

Derek Turner, the Highways Agency's Director of Network Operations, said: "This is a short term measure to ensure that stocks go to where they are most required, and we will review the situation after the weekend. In the last week the Highways Agency has used around 75,000 tonnes of salt on the strategic road network in England. This compares to an average winter week last year when we used approximately 10,000 tonnes of salt each week.

The Highways Agency is working closely with local authorities to coordinate the supply of salt between different areas in order to help keep the most important local roads open."

The Met Office forecasts wintry conditions leading to icy roads tonight (Saturday). Drivers are reminded to carry warm clothing and an emergency pack, which includes food and water, boots, de-icer, a torch, a spade if snow is forecast, and to make sure they have plenty of fuel for the journey. Listen to travel news on your car radio or tune into the Agency's Traffic Radio, which is available on DAB Digital Radio or online at trafficradio.org.uk