Nukes transported on our roads also pose danger
Wednesday 02 January 2013
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EmailMore frightening than the transportation of nuclear fuels by train (M Star December 21) is the fact that Trident nuclear warheads are carried on Britain's roads.
Missiles require regular refurbishment as the radioactive material in them decays. So about once a month depleted warheads are taken from the weapons store at Coulport, north of Faslane, to Aldermaston and Burghfield, the nuclear bomb facilities in Berkshire, and replenished warheads returned.
They travel in a large convoy, which includes a fire tender, maintainance and support vehicles, and are accompanied by armed motorcycle escort. They have to use the main roads and pass through and near connurbations.
Although the warheads cannot be detonated, there is the potential for an accidental release of radioactive material which could contaminate a wide area.
Of course the public is assured that there is no danger and that everything is under control. But there have been collisions and at least one warhead transporter has overturned.
Anne Lee
Otley
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