Salt shake-up

THE law of averages suggests that this winter will be considerably milder than the record-breaking freezing temperatures that caused so much misery, particularly on the roads, across Yorkshire at the turn of the year.

By The Newsroom

Published 26th Jul 2010, 22:51 BST

Updated 26th Jul 2010, 22:51 BST

However, the Government cannot, or should not, rely upon statistical probabilities when making contingency plans for extreme weather. It has to prepare for all eventualities – a point that David Cameron

repeatedly made when he accused Labour ministers of complacency over inadequate road gritting, and the resulting inconvenience.

That is why Mr Cameron should implement the findings of a Whitehall-commissioned report which has urged the Government to import 250,000 tonnes of road salter before this winter.

Of course, Ministers will point to the financial considerations, but they need to look at the wider economic picture. The salt can be stored if it is not required. And, furthermore, this upfront expenditure will, hopefully, prevent far greater damage to the wider economy, caused by businesses grinding to halt because the powers-that-be failed to put the necessary safeguards in place.