A NEW type of salt is to be used across Herts this year in a bid to keep roads clear of ice and snow. The new salt, known as Safe Coat, has a sugar coating which will make it stick to the roads and not be washed away. It is being introduced to the Hertfor

A NEW type of salt is to be used across Herts this year in a bid to keep roads clear of ice and snow.

The new salt, known as Safe Coat, has a sugar coating which will make it stick to the roads and not be washed away.

It is being introduced to the Hertfordshire Highways' fleet of 57 gritting lorries.

County councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for highways, transport and rural affairs, said: "We're using several new products and techniques this year to ensure we can keep roads as safe as possible and prevent congestion."

Hertfordshire Highways salts A and B-roads, all bus routes, at least one road in and out of villages, industrial areas and shopping centres.

About 3,000 tonnes of salt is used during each outing, but in extreme conditions up to 2,000 tonnes a day could be spread on the county's road.