06 January 2010
Source: LocalGov.co.uk ()

DfT to take control of salt stocks


Nick Appleyard

The Department for Transport has revealed it will put in place a 'Salt Cell' in order to ensure the replenishment of grit to those authorities that need it most.


The option of centrally managing the supply of grit was first introduced last February and received heavy criticism from councils
The action was prompted by record snow levels, which have crippled the nation and caused havoc on transport networks.

The option of centrally managing the supply of grit was first introduced last February and received heavy criticism from councils that had made adequate preparations as it saw replenishments of salt diverted to other authorities.

A DfT spokesman said: 'These are exceptional weather conditions but staff across the transport industries are working extremely hard to minimise the disruption caused.'

'DfT has kept in extremely close contact with local authorities across the country, to check how they are dealing with their own local road networks.

'DfT is working with the Highways Agency, the Local Government Association and the devolved administrations to put in place arrangements to advise on national priorities for salt deliveries to help ensure that stocks of salt are prioritised to where they are most needed. Alongside this, mutual aid arrangements can help to relieve areas which are experiencing particularly tight stocks of salt.

'The Highways Agency has its fleet of 500 salt spreaders and snow ploughs out in force and has been successful in keeping the vast majority of the major road network running, helping prevent the formation of ice and build up of snow.'





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