Hertfordshire salt supplies running low

THE cost of the recent bad weather is being counted by the county council, as salt supplies dropped to less than 1,000 tonnes. Since February 1, Hertfordshire Highways has used almost 5,500 tonnes of salt on the roads, with only

THE cost of the recent bad weather is being counted by the county council, as salt supplies dropped to less than 1,000 tonnes.

Since February 1, Hertfordshire Highways has used almost 5,500 tonnes of salt on the roads, with only 960 tonnes left in stock.

Three full salting trips went ahead over the weekend and more can be expected after continued cold weather was forecast for this week.

A spokesman for Hertfordshire county council said: "We are still exploring a number of avenues to supplement our salt supplies and the government is now coordinating salt deliveries to local authorities across the UK, based on declared need."

Councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for highways, transport and rural affairs, said the county was "keeping its head above water".

"Now that there is national coordination of the distribution of salt supplies, we are optimistic that we will be able to continue to keep major routes safe and passable," he said.

Since the beginning of October, gritters have made more than 60 outings - almost twice the number of outings made last year between October 2007 and April 2008.

Hertfordshire Highways has predicted a total of 76 outings will be needed this year, at a cost of �4.3m; an overspend of �1m.