Written Statement - Severe weather - salt

Following the recent severe weather, I have reviewed our strategic salt supplies.  After the exceptional and prolonged period of severe snow and ice, the significant stocks of salt that had been built up throughout Wales are now well reduced.  There is, however, still sufficient stock to enable the continuation of high levels of gritting activity over the Christmas period, and we will continue to manage them to make sure we can keep our key trunk roads open over the coming weeks.  Our aim is to ensure the best use of supplies.

Some local authorities, hit repeatedly by the cold weather over the last few weeks, are reporting that their stocks are substantially depleted at this time.  In response we will continue to share Welsh Assembly Government motorway and trunk roads supplies strategically and according to need.  We recently allocated 900 tonnes to Carmarthenshire and 500 tonnes to Pembrokeshire, and we will share 1000 tonnes across north Wales.

As well as the remaining stocks of salt that we hold throughout Wales, there are also significant quantities purchased and due for delivery over the coming days and weeks.  These additional stocks were ordered well in advance of the current period of severe weather.  In response to recent events, I have asked officials to continue to source new stocks of salt to ensure that our stocks can be replenished in preparation for future requirements. 

I and my officials have been in regular contact with Wales’ local authorities and worked together with them to ensure that all our efforts during such exceptionally bad weather are co-ordinated.  I have also held discussions with the WLGA, the Scottish Government and the UK Government Ministers regarding salt storage, distribution and co-ordination.

The trunk roads for which the Welsh Assembly Government is responsible remain open, although we have had to introduce temporary closures at a small number of points while we have worked to make conditions safe for drivers.  This is thanks to the co-ordinated efforts of our staff and local authority staff, working 24 hours a day.  However, there are clearly pressures on the system, and it is essential that we use every opportunity we can to reduce these pressures.  We are working with the WLGA and taking steps to ensure that salt stocks are conserved as much as possible while maintaining the availability of the roads networks.  I will continue to discuss, with colleagues on all levels of government, ways to achieve this aim.

TrafficWales will remain a key source of information of the Christmas break.  The website will be updated with the latest travel information, and the telephone lines will continue to be operated.

www.traffic-wales.com

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