With winter now upon us, residents are encouraged to be aware of new guidance published recently on clearing snow and ice themselves.
The winter weather often brings with it a sense of community spirit, as residents help each other clear driveways and spaces around their homes of snow.
However, many people may have been put off doing so due to fears of being sued in case someone fell and injured themselves on the snow or ice.
Read on for advice on your rights and responsibilities when clearing snow and ice from public areas.
There is no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your property, pathways to your property or public spaces.
If an accident did occur, it is highly unlikely that you would be sued as long as you:
- Are careful
- Use common sense to make sure that you don’t make the pavement or pathway clearly more dangerous than before
People using areas affected by snow and ice also have a responsibility to be careful themselves.
Cllr Lindsay Whittle, Leader of the Council said, “We are well prepared for the winter months ahead, which we understand from early reports will be a fairly harsh few months weather-wise, and are committed to ensuring the main highways network and as many minor roads as possible are kept free from snow and ice in the event of severe weather”.
He continued, “The winter months tend to be a time of goodwill, and we have an excellent relationship with local farmers who often work alongside us in helping to clear snow from more remote areas of the borough. In return for their kind assistance, we help ensure we are able to maintain key services such as refuse collection, to their often-remote farms”.
Cllr Whittle added, “We would ask residents to work with us in the event of snow and ice to help those who perhaps may have difficulty in clearing snow and ice from their properties. I’m pleased that this new guidance helps protect our residents from the threat of being sued by following just a few simple tips”.
Follow these simple tips on clearing snow and ice this winter:
- Start early – it is much easier to clear fresh, loose snow compared to compacted ice that has been compressed by people walking on it
- Don’t use hot water – this will melt the snow but may replace it with black ice, increasing the risk of injury
- Be a good neighbour – some people may be unable to clear snow and ice on paths from their property
- If shovelling snow, think where you are going to put it so that it doesn’t block people’s paths or drainage channels
- Make a pathway down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on
- Spreading some salt in the area you have cleared will help stop ice forming – table salt or dishwasher salt will work, but avoid spreading on plants or grass as they may be damaged by it
- Pay particular care and attention to steps and steep gradients
- Use the sun to your advantage – removing the top layer of snow will allow the sun to melt any ice underneath; however you will need to cover any ice with salt to stop it refreezing overnight
- If there is no salt available, sand is a good alternative.
Further information on the Department for Transport’s guidance can be found at www.direct.gov.uk
