The heaviest snowfall in the UK for 18 years has led to an unprecedented shortage of grit for the nation's hazardous roads, potentially leading to the kinds of driving conditions that increase the rate of car accident claims.
Derbyshire County Council is just one of many councils affected by the shortage, with it admitting that it only has 1,000 tonnes of grit left.
A spokeswoman from the council commented, "The county has suffered exceptionally severe weather conditions over the past week but we've been working hard to keep our main routes open where possible.
"We're advising people to use alternatives to their car where possible but if they have to drive to take extra care, even where roads have been gritted."
The government has indicated that it hopes to prevent any epidemic of weather-related car accident claims by stepping up efforts to ensure supplies of salt reach the areas worst affected by the shortage.
AA President Edmund King has commented on the reality facing councils "It is impractical to grit all roads and pavements but with extreme ice a higher percentage should be gritted. There are still some incredibly dangerous roads and pavements out there," he said.
Adding, "Just because it is a residential road doesn't mean cars will not crash into other parked cars."
It remains to be seen whether no win, no fee firms will be inundated with car accident claims for incidents occurring during this difficult winter period.
*A replacement vehicle can usually be supplied within 4-6 working hours, where there is an admission of liability from the other person’s insurance company. If this person is not known, their insurance details are not known, they are uninsured or there is a potential dispute over who caused the accident, a replacement vehicle cannot be provided.
