Council continues grit conservation as winter freeze continues

Jan 6 2010 by Judith Tonner, Airdrie & Coatbridge

NORTH Lanarkshire Council is continuing its road salt conservation policy as the county shivers its way through week four of the big freeze.

Gritters began exclusively prioritising main roads before Hogmanay, with salt stocks diminishing rapidly and the Arctic weather set to continue for another week.

Thirty lorryloads of salt were expected to arrive throughout yesterday (Tuesday) at the Amey Highways depot in Bargeddie, with the local authority already having used 7750 tonnes of the grit since December 18.

However, drivers and pedestrians alike have continued to inundate the Advertiser with complaints about untreated roads and pavements.

Graham Mackay, the council’s head of transportation, said: “Keeping main roads open is our priority and while salt stocks are low, we are receiving regular supplies.

“In the meantime we are continuing with conservation measures and would ask both drivers and pedestrians to take especial care on side roads and pavements.”

A council website statement added: “We appreciate there are a number of minor routes that still have not been treated, and these will be dealt with as soon as we are able.”

Schools across Airdrie and Coatbridge reopened as scheduled yesterday for the new term – even though pupils and staff were warned that they faced treacherous conditions.

Education officials noted that school car parks would not be cleared and added: “It is unlikely side streets will be cleared.

“School transport will set down on main roads, vehicle access will be difficult and we would ask all road users to be extra cautious.”