Aberdeenshire Council chiefs are warning that cutbacks on gritting may be necessary to fill the £67m blackhole it faces at this years budget.
The authority uses around 45,000 tonnes of salt every winter on A and B roads, which span nearly 1,100 miles.
But the price per tonne of salt has risen by around 15% since pre-pandemic, resulting in the council going £1.2m over budget on winter maintenance costs during last years wintery spell.
Around 4,000 tonnes of salt were used on 2,500 miles of road each day last week, with more than 100 farmers drafted in to support around 300 dedicated roads staff to keep the roads safe.
Council leader Gillian Owen said: "Currently the expectation is that the council should do everything and we just cannot do that.
"We have to prioritise in that respect, and there are winners and losers."
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