SUDBURY, Ont. — The city is starting to use new multi-purpose trucks that can reduce salt spreading by 20 per cent while making it more effective by pre-wetting salt before it’s spread on roads.

“These trucks use state-of-the-art equipment to apply de-icing agents, designed to measure, calibrate and record application rates, ambient air and road temperatures,” says Public Works General Manager Don Belisle. “The overall result is a reduction of salt usage on all roads and a savings to taxpayers. There are also environmental benefits.”

“At the end of the day, the employee at the controls directs when, where and how much salt is applied, he added. “Operator training and retention will ensure that the new equipment is used to its fullets potential, keeping our roadways safe for motorists.”

The City of Greater Sudbury bought seven of the $125,000 trucks to begin replacing an aging fleet of salters and sanders over three years. It maintains 3,520 kilometres of roads, including major arteries and side streets.