The National Salt Spreading Research Group (NSSRG) was formed in 2001:

• To carry out pioneering research into the use of Sodium Chloride and other de-icing materials to prevent the formation of, and aid the removal of, ice and snow from the highway

• To identify the most cost efficient and effective methods of de-icing

• To form, on a national basis, a long-standing research group to further advance the understanding of the effective de-icing of highways.

Members of the NSSRG include Highway Authorities, Term Contractors, Road Operators, Consultants and Private Industries that directly provide winter service, provide supplies to the winter maintenance industry or have an interest in winter maintenance in the United Kingdom.

The research carried out from April 2001 to April 2005 concentrated on trials to advance understanding of salt and spreader performance. The trials enabled an assessment to be made of different salt distribution systems and de-icers, and the effects of trafficking on residual salt levels. A report on the trials and a best practice guide on spreading salt have been produced.

The trials have provided information on:

• Overall salt discharged by spreaders

• Achieved spread rate in target area

• Wastage beyond the target area

• Longitudinal and transverse ‘snaking' effects

• Effect of grain size and moisture content on salt distribution

• Movement and loss of salt under trafficking

• Performance of Sodium Chloride based de-icers, including the effect of additives

• Efficacy of dry and pre-wetted salting techniques

• Salt distribution profiles showing uneven spread pattern

The findings of the research undertaken were presented at a series of workshops in 2005 and members were consulted as to their priorities for future research work.

The future research planned includes:

• Trials to assess the dissolution rates of various salts

• Further road trials to assess residual salt levels after different levels of trafficking

• Trials to determine the effect of de-icer products on skidding resistance

• Comparative performance trials of dry salt, pre-wetted salt and additive treated salt

• Cost-benefit analyses to determine the most appropriate salting techniques in different areas/climates

• A state-of-the-art review of road surface sensor systems, including residual salt measurement.

To complete the planned research, further sponsorship is being sought from Highway Authorities, Term Contractors, Road Operators, Consultants and Private Industries either by annual financial contributions or participation in the research directly.

For a minimum contribution of £1500 (€2100), members can:

• Have access to the best practice guide on spreading salt and the final report on the trials

• Have access to winter service research as it happens

• Exchange ideas with fellow winter service professionals

• Influence research programmes to meet the industry needs

• Benefit from wider research programmes and initiatives

• Optimise winter service solutions

• Have the opportunity to influence the direction of future winter service in the United Kingdom

The research will undoubtedly lead to a far greater understanding of the salting of carriageways which will, in turn, lead to greater efficiency, cost savings, improved service delivery and safety and environmental benefits - indeed Best Value.

For further information, please e-mail nssrg@trl.co.uk