§ Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will detail what guidelines are issued to regional councils concerning the salting of trunk roads; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonCurrently there are no formal guidelines issued. The salting of trunk roads in Scotland is carried out in accordance with the procedures laid down by individual regional councils. These give the rates of spread for varying weather conditions and locations. The decision on whether salting should be carried out is taken on the information supplied by Met Office forecasts and ice detection equipment. The Scottish Office roads directorate intends to issue shortly a code of practice on winter maintenance which will include the regularising of regional practices with regard to the level of service of salting required on trunk roads.