WLGA responds to latest Government advice to suppliers on prioritisation of salt
06 February 2009
Responding to the latest Government advice to suppliers on prioritisation of salt, Steve Thomas, WLGA Chief Executive said:
“Over last few weeks we have seen the acceleration of the implementation of councils’ winter maintenance plans with teams working around the clock to ensure public safety and gritters and snow ploughs have been out in force.
There have been some issues this week with the continuity of salt supply for some authorities and as a result we have seen councils making decisions to prioritise major routes where necessary to ensure that current stocks last.
There remains the prospect of further bad weather conditions over the next few days and hence those local authorities with plentiful supplies of salt and gritting materials within their depots are being encouraged to institute mutual aid agreements wherever possible particularly at the request of other authorities.
Furthermore, with salt industry unable to meet all current demands, the government, in consultation with the Welsh Assembly Government, WLGA and the Highways Agency, has decided it is now essential that clear advice on prioritisation is provided to salt suppliers to help get deliveries where they are most needed and ensure key routes are kept open.
Central Government is consulting with the Assembly Government, the WLGA and the Highways Agency with the aims of providing advice to suppliers on the most effective distribution of available salt supplies in order to minimise the risk to public safety. Daily reports based on data from local authorities will advise suppliers of those in greatest need, with prioritisation based on daily demand estimates (informed by the Met Office’s 24 hour forecast) and comparisons between existing salt stocks and available supply.
These calculations will be run daily, based on updated stock information and Met Office forecasts, to provide advice to suppliers regarding the next day’s distribution. Given the importance of the strategic road network, not least to ensuring continued deliveries of salt, if Highways Agency supplies appear likely to dip below a prudent level, further advice from the Secretary of State will be sought on how to proceed.
We urge the public to take extra precaution during these current winter conditions, especially when driving and only make journeys if they are really necessary.”