Councils planning to reduce road gritting, expert warns
Monday 31 October 2011 | By Evolution InternetBack to Newsroom
Toyota Hilux drivers may be interested in one organisation's claims that Britain's roads may be more hazardous than ever this winter.
According to the Institute of Advanced Motorists, cuts to local council funding will see local authorities forced to reduce its spending on grit.
It was suggested that budget estimates predict a 3.6 per cent decrease in spending on salting roads and using snowploughs, despite the previous two winters being particularly harsh.
Chief executive at the organisation Simon Best said: "Councils must make contingency plans to ensure that essential supplies can always get through, no matter what the weather."
The IAM quoted figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government, which showed 67 authorities plan to reduce their outgoings on winter road services.
In order to prepare vehicles for cold weather and potential hazardous conditions, the IAM recently advised drivers to pack an emergency kit that consists of warm clothing, food, water, de-icer, a spade and a torch.
