UK SME quarries offer help to keep gritters running

The 887 British Aggregates Association (BAA) has updated and re-issued its database of member companies who may be able to assist with the supply of fine aggregates to local authorities and highways agencies currently treating iced up roads and pavements up and down the UK.

Quarry grit was the traditional method of dealing with snow and ice before the use of salt became commonplace, the Association notes. Although it does not melt ice in the same way as salt, it is environmentally friendly and ideal for providing grip on slippery surfaces.

UK SME quarries are also said by the BAA to be on hand to supply environment agencies with high quality, bagged sand for flood defences.

BAA Director Robert Durward said: “Spreading quarry grit will prevent accidents and reduce pressure on stocks of salt. It is also possible to use farm machinery to spread the grit meaning that many more roads and pavements can be treated than would otherwise be possible. Quarry grit has no adverse effect on the environment and can be recycled once the ice and snow have melted.”

The BAA database is available <%$Linker:2External<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-16"?><dictionary />000oLinkExternalhereVisit british aggregates websitefalsehttp://www.british-aggregates.co.uk/news/press.htmlfalsefalse%>.