Death-trap fear as salt runs low

The gritting salt keeping Britain's roads clear of snow and ice is running out amid a warning from the AA that some roads are becoming "death traps".

Many councils in England and Wales are having to ration supplies and have stopped using salt on minor roads.

The AA wants the government to lead a co-ordinated response to the crisis.

The Highways Agency is putting 25,000 tonnes of salt on main roads a day, but producers can only deliver 30,000 tonnes a week.

RAC motoring strategist Adrian Tink added: "The number of roads that haven't been gritted is a big concern and has a serious impact on driver safety.

Warwickshire County Council has confirmed it is rationing gritting, while in Wiltshire only main routes are being gritted.

There, smaller roads have become extremely icy in patches and some have been blocked by jack-knifed lorries or double-deckers stuck in the road.

Gloucestershire County Council said it had halved its salting operation to preserve stocks as it tries to hunt around for alternative supplies.