THE cost of keeping traffic moving through the Yorkshire region during the recent snows cost more than £130,000 in salt alone.
Some 5,250 tonnes of salt were used across the region by the Highways Agency over the festive period, at a cost of £25 a tonne.
This winter, the Highways Agency has a fleet of five snowblowers, in addition to its 46 gritters and snowploughs in the region.
"Keeping the roads open and safe is our top priority in winter," said the agency's winter maintenance manager, John Wainwright.
"A clear road network is essential for the smooth-running of the country - 98 per cent of the nation's food is transported by road.
"We have more than 40,000 tonnes of salt in store - enough to cover two football pitches 20ft deep - and each gritter has three designated drivers to ensure that someone is always available to treat icy roads as soon as possible."
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