240,000 tonnes of rock salt are being held at National Highways-owned salt barns, according to the organisation, as it shares a new set of driver statistics and launches its TRIP campaign.

The statistics shared by National Highways, regarding travel preparations for the winter period, indicate that only 34 per cent travel with water, while 62 per cent "believe it to be vital."

Elsewhere, the organisation found that only half of road users have a de-icer in their vehicles, while 74 per cent of those surveyed "believe they ought to."

The findings come as National Highways launches its annual winter TRIP campaign.

The TRIP acronym promotes four steps for safety: top up (fuel, oil, and screen wash); rest (with regular stops planned every two hours to prevent fatigue); inspect (tyre pressure and tread); and prepare (i.e., have a plan for severe weather conditions).

Duncan Smith, executive director of operations at National Highways, said:
"Preparation is key to staying safe during winter journeys and we’re already playing our part by lifting roadworks on key routes in time for Black Friday deliveries next week, helping logistics companies."

National Highways reportedly also has 535 gritters on hand, which can be fitted with snowploughs if necessary.