public notices

SNOW WORRIES GUIDANCE FOR CLEARING ICE AND SNOW

Wakefield Council has welcomed guidance which helps people clear snow and ice safely.
Last winter was the coldest on record for 30 years and forecasts suggest there could be another severe winter this year.

The government guidance clarifies what can be done and how to do it safely.

Council Leader Peter Box, who is also Chairman of the Economy and Transport Board at the Local Government Association, is urging citizens to use this first official snow code.

He said we are encouraging people to be public spirited and to help others as well as themselves by clearing pavements, private paths and drives.

“We need to focus on keeping main routes clear an concentrate on ploughing and gritting priority routes. So we can do this, we will be working with communities to encourage people to keep neighbourhoods clear safe and accessible”.

“Last year people were cautious about clearing snow and ice for fear of being sued but with the new guidance, communities can work together to make sure everyone can stay safe in the snowy weather.”

The snow code makes it clear there is no law preventing anyone clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside their property, pathways and public spaces.

Here are some of the tips on safely clearing snow and ice:
?Start early – ice compacted by people walking on it is much harder to clear
?Don’t use hot or boiled water – this may cause black ice
?When shovelling snow, don’t block other peoples 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 salt will help stop ice forming on cleared areas
?Sand and ash are good alternatives to salt if it isn’t available
?Pay particular attention to steep areas and steps

Wakefield MDC press office