Public encouraged to grit roads themselves

Date: 9/12/2010

As severe weather conditions continue to cause havoc on the roads, the Transport Secretary has said the public should have access to salt supplies so they can grit their own roads.

Mr Hammond told BBC Breakfast many people would like to have the opportunity to improve safety on streets that are not on their council's gritting route.

This would allow them to make the pavements easier to walk on and their driveways less problematic to get out of, he explained.

''People have always dug their way out of their own driveways ... and I would encourage people who are able to do that kind of thing to continue doing it," Mr Hammond remarked.

He urged Britons to take action in this way both for themselves and neighbours who may be less able.

The Met Office has issued a large number of severe weather warnings today (December 9th), highlighting the risk of widespread icy roads across Scotland, Northern Ireland and the east of England.

Posted by Mary Treen