Cope with Snow Without getting Sued

Over the past couple of weeks

Hitchin has seen a noticeable drop in temperature, with the first frosting of

ice on cars in the morning. 

Last winter, some parts of the UK were

brought to a complete standstill by snow and icy conditions.  It is too early to say if we are in for

another ‘big freeze’, but already there have been national reports that

councils may not have enough road grit supplies to ensure major roads are kept

safe. 

This year I can’t help thinking

it would wise to take action to be more prepared for the inevitable difficult

weather.  Precautions such as purchasing

grit salt, a snow shovel, and suitable clothing make the world of difference to

the winter difficulties. 

This week Hertfordshire council “welcomed

government guidelines that give clear guidance for residents who want to clear

snow and ice from outside their properties”.

The guidelines, provided by the

Department for Transport, clarify that "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 happen, it's

highly unlikely that you would be sued as long as you are careful and 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 responsibility to be careful themselves."

It saddens me that people are

cautious about clearing snow from any public walkway for fear of getting

sued.  Settled snow is slippery, surely having

some cleared away makes it safer for all concerned, not more dangerous.  

Department for Transport’s Tips

and advice on clearing snow and ice:

Start early - it's 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 on 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 beneath;

however you will need to cover any ice with salt to stop it refreezing

overnight

You may use salt in salt bins for

salting and clearing snow from the pavement outside your property or business.

This salt should not be used for salting private driveways, footpaths,

forecourts or other areas that are not part of the public highway.

If there's no salt available,

sand or ash are good alternatives.  

Further advice on snow clearing is also available on the county council's winter pages.