Council to increase salt stock

Council to increase salt stock

CARMARTHENSHIRE is to increase its salt stock this winter.

It follows last year’s national salt shortage.

Sub zero temperatures saw many local authorities having to ration supplies and stop using salt on minor roads.

As a result the council is looking to increase its stock by 26 per cent.

This means approximately 9,500 tonnes of salt will be stocked in barns ready to be used and a further 2,500 tonnes on order. More frequent deliveries have also been organised as and when available to keep stocks at or near maximum levels.

Director of Technical Services Richard Workman said: “Last year saw heavy demand on salt supplies across the UK, however, forward planning and careful use of our stocks meant that we never ran out of salt in Carmarthenshire and we did not encounter some of the problems that other areas of the country experienced. I’m sure residents understand that the most important thing when supplies are under pressure is to keep the main roads clear.

“This year we are increasing our stocks even further and we will continue to keep them at maximum levels as much as possible.”

The roads are salted when there is a risk of ice, and during severe weather, cleared of snow.

Carmarthenshire has 3,526km of roads and approximately 28 per cent are treated when weather conditions demand. Around 935km are salted within three hours of forecasted ice or snow.

Trunk and primary roads are given first priority followed by principal routes, roads leading to important industrial and military establishments, hospitals, ambulance stations, fire stations, railway stations, bus depots and important bus routes, slip roads and known trouble spots.

Staff are also on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to the changing weather and road conditions.

Executive board member for the environment Councillor Philip Hughes said: “The council sets aside £1 million every year as part of its winter maintenance programme.

“We do everything we can to keep roads safe during the winter. However, motorists are urged to take extra care during harsh weather conditions such as ice and snow.”