British Expats - More Heavy Snow Cripples Britain As Salt Runs Out..

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More Heavy Snow Cripples Britain As Salt Runs Out..

Freezing temperatures and fresh snowfalls are creating dangerous conditions on the roads in areas of Britain that are running out of salt supplies.

Winter cold snap is causing problems for motorists
http://news.sky.com/sky-news/content...1/15217125.jpg

More snow fell overnight in south Wales, north Devon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire where further disruption is expected to public transport, schools and businesses.

The Highways Agency is warning drivers to take extra care on the roads, and the Met Office issued severe weather warnings for further heavy snow in the Midlands, the West Country, much of Scotland and southern and eastern Wales.

Some councils have admitted their supplies of salt are now so low they are only able to treat major routes, leaving many back roads perilous for motorists.

Britain's biggest salt supplier, Cheshire-based Salt Union, said staff are working round the clock but still cannot meet demand.

"We have been operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week since the beginning of January and are extracting 30 million kilos per week but the unexpected and unusual weather means that, even working at this level, demand is outstripping supply," the firm said.

Cleveland Potash, the Highways Agency's second supplier, said it has arranged for 40,000 tonnes of salt to be imported from its sister mine in Spain to meet the increased demand.

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

But Hertfordshire County Council, one of the councils which has admitted stocks are running low, said it is seeking additional supplies from abroad.

Other councils which are 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.

Sky News weather presenter Isobel Lang said that while the capital would escape the kind of travel chaos seen after heavy snow on Monday, other areas of the country would be at risk.

"London will get away with it this time with no travel problems on Thursday, only rain or sleet is forecast," she said.

"I am concerned for Wales and the Midlands though, where 2-5cm (1-2in) of snow could bring disruption during Thursday.

"Over the higher ground of Wales and the Derbyshire Dales there may be as much as 20cm (around 8in) of snow.

"So if you're planning to use the rail links or airports around Bristol, Cardiff or Birmingham, you may find you encounter lengthy delays or cancellations.

"On Friday, don't be surprised to see some sleet or wet snow for a time across southeast England, but it shouldn't last long or cause widespread problems.

"It'll clear to leave an icy but bright day for many on Saturday."