A survey carried out by the Local Government Association, which represents more than 350 councils in England and Wales, found that 51 per cent of councils aimed to have more salt in stock for this year's winter gritting season that last year's, with 48 per cent aiming for the same amount. In addition, councils each aimed to have the equivalent of 4,900 tonnes of salt in stock by the start of October, as a median average. A similar survey carried out at the same time last year showed councils had 3,400 tonnes.