Britain only narrowly escaped collapse of the road network when last winter's blizzards struck because of reliance on just two salt suppliers, the LGA has warned. Improving procurement and communication arrangements between highways authorities and salt suppliers has been further underlined in a new report into last February's salt crisis. The LGA urged councils to acquire knowledge of alternative suppliers, and put in place contingency contracts in the event that supply became an issue. The UK is almost entirely reliant on two major suppliers – Salt Union and Cleveland Potash – operating on a ‘just-in-time' basis. The report, Weathering the storm, criticised suppliers for failing to admit they were struggling to keep up with demand during the severe weather, and recommends revised procurement approaches to avoid similar occurrences in future. Cllr David Sparks, chairman of the LGA transport board, said: ‘In a time of crisis, salt suppliers need to be upfront about what they can deliver – and when. ‘If they are to keep people moving, councils must make sure there is enough slack in the system for supplying salt.'
