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- January 2010
- Problem pubs face faster action thanks to LGA lobbying success
- LGA Group launch 'Freedom to Lead' proposals
- Inspectors should estimate second year CAA savings for councils
- Councils respond to local government pay claim
- LGA responds to government proposals for safeguarding adults
- Latest care referral figures should prompt a rethink of the system
- Centre for Cities annual index shows recession has widened gap between UK cities
- Q&A on council grit and salt supplies
- Bin collections during freezing weather - LGA response
- LGA response to announcement of further salt reductions
- Councils working flat out to repair potholes caused by bad weather
- LGA responds to ministerial statement on salt
- LGA response to Government announcement on salt reductions
- Competition probe into bus services good news for passengers
- 1.7 million miles of road gritted in last three weeks, say councils
- Margaret Eaton made a Dame of the British Empire
1.7 million miles of road gritted in last three weeks, say councils
LGA press release - 6 January 2010
As the worst weather for 30 years grips the UK, new figures published today reveal that council gritters across the country have treated the equivalent of more than 1.7 million miles of road in the last three weeks.
An analysis of council gritting activity over the last three weeks, by the Local Government Association, which represents councils in England, estimates that:
• The equivalent of 1.7million miles of road have been gritted by council gritting teams, the equivalent of travelling round the world 68 times
• 200,000 tonnes of salt have been spread on the road
• 4,000 council staff have been involved in gritting operations around the clock
Council gritting teams have been working night and day, often in dangerous conditions, to keep roads clear. In some areas, such as Wrexham and Lancashire, gritters were out on Christmas Day. In Telford and Wrekin, gritters have been out for 21 days in a row and the council has used six times more salt this winter compared to the same time last winter.
Cllr David Sparks, Chair of the Local Government Association Transport and Regeneration Board, said:
“In the last three weeks, council gritting teams have treated enough road to travel round the world almost 70 times. Thousands of council staff across Britain are continuing to work round the clock to keep people moving. In some areas, gritters have been out battling snow and ice for 21 days in a row.
“Keeping roads clear, even in the worst conditions, is vitally important. Councillors and council staff know how frustrating some people are finding the severe weather. With almost a quarter of a million miles of road to cover, it will never be possible for councils to grit every single street.
“Councils carefully prioritise routes so that emergency services and public transport can keep running and essential supplies of food and fuel can get through. In light of last February’s experience, councils reviewed how they cope with winter weather. Despite forecasts of a mild winter, many councils stockpiled more salt this year but after the longest cold snap in 30 years, systems are stretched but are holding up.”
Author: LGA Media Team
Contact: 020 7664 3333
ENDS