Specialist salt could save thousands

A new grit which continues to tackle ice and snow even when temperatures plummet as low as -10 degrees is set to be trialled in Staffordshire.

The salt is mixed with a highly potent additive which means 30% less is needed to treat the county’s roads compared to using normal grit which could save Staffordshire taxpayers around £150,000 over an average winter.

It will also be a major boost to road safety becuase it continues to work when temperatures reach -10 degrees. Standard salt is only effective until -7 degrees.

The pilot will run for the remainder of the winter from Lichfield and Gailey depots covering Lichfield, Tamworth, Burton, Cannock, Rugeley and South Staffordshire.

County Councillor Mike Maryon, Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “This revolutionary grit solution could not only save £150,000 per year but would also improve road safety which is absolutely priceless.

"Staffordshire’s highways are among the safest in the country but I am 100 per cent committed to improving our record and am determined to find the most effective and efficient ways of achieving this.

“If it proves a success, as similar trials have in other council areas, it will make the highways much safer for motorists and will keep Staffordshire on the move in severe weather conditions. This is particularly important in these challenging financial times as we need to continually stimulate the local economy.”