THE region’s councils could set up a shared “salt bank” in an attempt to avoid scenes such as those last winter when some roads were unable to be gritted because of shortages.

Currently, individual local authorities buy in their own supplies, but it is hoped that by sharing resources in this way, more councils will be able to cope better in the event of another harsh winter.

Earlier this year, councils came close to running out of salt during the worst winter in 30 years and some authorities, including Durham County Council, were forced to temporarily restrict gritting.

Dave Wilcox, the county council’s strategic highways manager, said it was building up its supply of salt in preparation for any repeat of last winter’s unprecedented conditions.

He said after going into last winter with a stockpile of 27,000 tonnes of salt, it expected to start next winter with 40,000 tonnes.

Mr Wilcox said: “We are promoting the setting up of a regional salt bank that can serve all local authorities.

“We are hoping to hold a seminar later this summer when all North- East authorities can meet to discuss this.

“There is a great willingness among the region’s local councils to work closely together so that assistance can be offered to those experiencing difficulties with salt supplies.”

He added: “We will also be increasing the amount of treated salt – salt that is coated with molasses – that we use following successful trials over recent years.

“The treated salt is less likely to bounce off the road, so less is scattered onto the verges.

“Tests show that about 30 per cent less treated salt is needed.”

A report to the council’s cabinet recently highlighted other areas where improvements could be made. These included introducing a salt bin numbering system to record the filling of bins and employing more farmers to help councils treat roads.

All local authorities have been urged to review and update their winter plans as a result of a Government-commissioned study, which published its findings this week.

It also said 250,000 tonnes of road salt should be imported into the UK to deal with a winter as bad as the last one.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire County Council said: “We are doing everything necessary to make sure that our highways teams are prepared for the start of winter, taking on board any lessons learnt from the last winter.”