Follow the snow code

The county council is asking people to play their part in keeping the county on the move by following the Government’s Snow Code - which gives clear advice on clearing snow and ice safely.

And it says there’s no reason why people shouldn’t clear residential streets and pavements if they are able.

Notts County Council’s cabinet member for transport and highways Richard Jackson urged everyone to pull together to keep the county on the move this winter.

“The county council is better prepared than ever for this winter and remains committed to playing its part by salting and gritting the main roads across the county,” he said.

“During severe winter conditions and heavy snow our priorities are to get the main roads and key public transport corridors passable as quickly as we can so that emergency services and as many people as possible are able to undertake essential journeys.”

“When we have achieved this, of course we will assist minor roads but, where you are able, you don’t have to wait for us to reach your road and footway.”

Coun Jackson added: “A belief has grown up over the past few years that you shouldn’t clear snow from roads and footways yourself in case you get sued.”

“In truth, there is no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the footway outside your home or from public spaces provided you take sensible precautions.”

The Snow Code:

• Don’t make the footways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put off clearing footways because you’re afraid someone will get injured. Remember, people walking on snow and ice have responsibility to be careful themselves.

• Clear the snow or ice early in the day - it’s easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath. You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.

• Use salt or sand - not water! If you use water to melt the snow, it will refreeze and turn to black ice. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon for each square metre you clear should work. If you don’t have enough salt, you can also use sand or ash. These won’t stop the path icing over as well as salt, but will provide good grip under foot.

• Use your own salt for your own driveway and only use the salt from council grit bins for public footways and roads so that together we have enough to go around.

• When you’re shovelling snow, take care where you put it so it doesn’t block people’s paths or drains.

• Offer to clear your neighbours’ paths. If your neighbour will have difficulty getting in and out of their home, offer to clear snow and ice around their property as well. Check that any elderly or disabled neighbours are alright in the cold weather. If you’re worried about them, contact your local council.