Councils stockpiling salt in preparation for winter

11/11/2013
Highways Reporters

Councils are stockpiling more salt in preparation for this year’s winter, according to the latest figures from highways bosses.

A Local Government Association survey of councils across England and Wales estimates an increase on the 1.3 million tonnes of salt stockpiled in depots in 2012.

Despite milder conditions so far this year, councils are constantly monitoring weather conditions and were out gritting in the north of England as temperatures fell below freezing for the first time last week.

The survey finds that 95% of councils are either maintaining or increasing stock levels this winter, with around half also planning to work alongside neighbouring councils to share equipment and salt.

Councils are also embracing innovative methods of tackling winter weather with 82% using GPS trackers on their gritters this year and others using liquid de-icers, brine and sugar-coated salt – less likely to be blown off roads by wind or traffic.

Other key findings from the survey include:

Salt – 68% of councils are aiming to have the same amount of salt as last year with 27% aiming to have more salt.

Equipment – Councils owned or leased an average of nine full-sized gritters (1,174 in total for responding councils). Twenty-six councils had purchased full-sized gritters over the last 12 months.

Working with communities – 79% of councils are using community grit bins so members of the public can access salt and are recruiting snow volunteers to help spread salt on pavements and paths.

Communication – 91% of councils will be using Twitter to keep residents updated on weather warnings, gritting activity and road disruptions this winter. Other means of keeping residents informed will include council websites, leafleting and via the local media.

Cllr Peter Box, chair of the LGA’s economy and transport board, said: “Despite tough financial times, councils are investing in new gritting equipment, exploring innovative techniques to tackle snow and frost and working alongside neighbouring councils and community groups.

“Although it is mild at present, councils are monitoring up-to-the-minute weather reports and have been out testing equipment and gritting routes to make sure they are ready to act quickly on whatever this winter throws at us.

“Councils will be treating as many roads as possible but keeping the country moving will always be a community effort. Thousands of extra grit bins have been installed and filled for people living in side streets and thousands of snow volunteers recruited to help grit hard-to-reach areas.”

Latest Issue

latest magazine issue

 

ALSO INSIDE:

  • Exclusive: Smart Motorways
  • Are you AI protected?
  • Traffex Parkex Evex Cold Comfort
View the latest issue


Highways jobs

Light Vehicle Mechanic

Grade 8 £27,507 - £29,418 per annum
We are looking for a highly motivated Light Vehicle Mechanic to join our County Transport team Derbyshire
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF1092e

£35,745 - £36,648
This is a role for Traffic Management Officer to be based in the Eden area. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Traffic Management Technician - WMF1090e

£26,421 - £27,334
This is a role for Traffic Management Technician to be based in the Eden area. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Multi Skilled Operatrive x4

£22,737.00 - £29,269.00, Career grade 3-6, 37 hours, Permanent
We are seeking enthusiastic and capable colleagues to join our Highway Operations team that forms part of the Highway Network Management. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Supervising Technician

£33,024.00 - £35,745.00, Grade 8, 37 hours, Permanent
The purpose of this role is to support the Workshop Manager you will be required to work closely with other Supervising Technicians. Newton Bar Depot, Central Vehicle Workshops, Newton Bar, Wakefield WF1 2TU
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Heavy Vehicle/Plant Apprenticeship

Age dependent (Under 18 yrs - £12,347, 18-20 yrs - £16,591, 21+yrs - £22,071)
The programme can start to build your career, or help you to re-train, becoming a valued, recognised and rewarded team member. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recruiter: Wakefield Council

Senior Engineer - Highways and Drainage

£40,221 - £44,428 + 12% Attraction + Retention Payment equating to actual pay £45,047 - 49,759
This is an exciting opportunity to join us as a Senior Engineer. Lincolnshire
Recruiter: Lincolnshire County Council

Service Manager - Highways (Asset and Traffic)

£48,474 to £51,515
A vacancy has become available for a Service Manager to join and manage our successful Highways Assets and Traffic team. Torbay, Devon
Recruiter: SWISCo

Traffic Management Technician - WMF1090e

Salary £26,421 - £27.334
This is a role for Traffic Management Technician to be based in the Eden area. Penrith, Cumbria
Recruiter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Assistant Arboricultural Consultant

£26100 - £30706 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Defined Benefit Pension
Assistant Arboricultural ConsultantPermanent, Full TimeUp to £30,706 per annumLocation
Recruiter: Essex County Council

Heavy Goods Vehicle Mechanic

£27,507 - £29,418
You will need to be suitably experienced, hold a minimum of an NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent). Derby
Recruiter: Derbyshire County Council

Principal Engineer - Highways Development Management

£48,378 - £51,571
You will play a lead role on all major highway development proposals across West Northampton. One Angel Square, Northampton
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Transport Planning & Data Manager - CMB1061e

£62,273 - £65,017
Cumberland Council is a dynamic and forward-thinking authority dedicated to enhancing public services Cumbria
Recruiter: Cumberland Council

Transport Planner (Area Travel Plans) OCC616326

£39,186 - £42,403 per annum
It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, or where you’re going, it’s about the journey. Oxfordshire
Recruiter: Oxfordshire County Council

2x Technical Lead (Area Travel Plans) OCC616320

£43,421 - £46,464 per annum
It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, or where you’re going, it’s about the journey. Oxfordshire
Recruiter: Oxfordshire County Council

Assistant Transport Planner OCC616317

£29,269 - £32,076 per annum
It doesn’t matter where you’ve been, or where you’re going, it’s about the journey. Oxfordshire
Recruiter: Oxfordshire County Council

Principal Engineer - Highways Development Management

£48,378 - £51,571
We are looking for an experienced and talented professional to join West Northampton Council as our Highways Development Principal Engineer. One Angel Square, Northampton
Recruiter: West Northamptonshire Council

Structural Highway Maintenance – Highway Engineer

£36,648 - £39,186 per annum
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a driven and self-motivated engineer to join our Structural Highway Maintenance Team. Warwickshire / Countywide
Recruiter: Warwickshire County Council

Highways Engineer

£37,336 - £39,186
Wiltshire Highways – Enhancing Lives, Building Communities Wiltshire
Recruiter: Wiltshire Council

Engineer

£40,221 - £51,515
As part of a friendly and enthusiastic team, you will play an important role in designing innovative urban transport and public realm projects 100 Temple Street Redcliff Bristol BS1 6AN
Recruiter: Bristol City Council

Highways Presents

 


Latest Video