Written question asked by Theresa Villiers (Conservative) on Monday, 8 February 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 February 2010. It was answered by Lord Khan of Tooting (Labour) on Monday, 22 February 2010 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Roads: Snow and Ice

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Department for Transport how much his Department spent on road (a) salt and (b) grit in each of the last 12 years.

Answer: The Highways Agency uses salt for the treatment of its network during winter and does not use grit.The Highways Agency's routine and winter service is delivered by its contracted service providers. The delivery of these services, including the purchase of rock salt, is paid for within lump sum payments covering a range of defined activities. The individual amount specifically spent on the purchase of road-salt is not readily discernable from the service delivery lump sum payments and cannot therefore be provided.Annual salt usage for the strategic road network varies greatly according to the weather faced, typically ranging 150,000 to 300,000 tonnes per annum, at an average cost from domestic salt suppliers of approximately £20 to £25 per tonne.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 506 c208W; 316890
Session: 2009-10
Related items: Roads: Snow and Ice
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Written questions
House of Commons; Roads: Snow and Ice
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Written questions
House of Commons; Roads: Snow and Ice
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Written questions
House of Commons; Roads: Snow and Ice
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Roads Snow and ice
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk