More snow as salt shortage looms

Feb 5 2009

More snow has fallen across a frozen UK amid warnings that some councils face dwindling salt supplies to help keep traffic moving.

Travellers have faced fresh delays as up to five inches of snow fell in some parts - with south Wales, western England, the Midlands and counties to the north of London worst hit.

The new falls after the heavy snow earlier this week added to concerns about dwindling salt supplies and threatened further disruption to public transport, schools and businesses.

Some councils said they were now only using salt on major routes, and Britain's biggest salt supplier, Cheshire-based Salt Union, said staff were working round the clock but still could not meet demand.

The Highways Agency, which is responsible for England's motorways and A roads, said it was confident it had enough salt in its depots to keep routes ice-free.

But Hertfordshire County Council, one of the councils which said stocks were running low, said it was seeking additional supplies from abroad. Other councils which were saving their salt for main roads include Ceredigion County Council, in mid Wales, which said Salt Union had told it not to expect further deliveries.

Airports, railways and roads have again been affected by the snow. The runway at East Midlands Airport near Derby was affected and Luton Airport warned passengers of delays. Flights were cancelled at Belfast Airport.

Trains have also been affected, with companies across Wales, the Midlands, the South West and Yorkshire all warning of disruption. Some bus services in the South West were also suspended.

There were reports of heavy snow on the M4, M5 and M1, and traffic using some A-roads in the Midlands was also affected. Police said some lorry drivers were driving too fast in the treacherous road conditions, and urged all motorists to slow down.

Thousands of pupils have been told to stay at home, with hundreds of schools closed across the Midlands and West.