The guidelines, provided by the Department for Transport, state:
“There is no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your property, pathways to your property or public spaces.”
In response to concerns from the public about being sued, the guidelines continue:
“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.”
Official 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
Where to find more information:
The full version of this advice from the Department for Transport can be viewed online at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_191868 .