If the North wind blows

2/12/10- Heavy snow in Bexhill. King Offa Way traffic lights

Published on 03/01/2013 08:00

WITH changeable weather dominating the festive season, it is comforting to know that East Sussex County Council’s fleet of gritters is ready to swing into action should temperatures plummet and snow move in.

The vehicles and their crews have already been out on the county’s roads several times this winter, and 10,000 tonnes of salt is stockpiled in depots for immediate use should surfaces become hazardous.

But in today’s compensation culture, ESCC is also assuring people and businesses that it is “perfectly acceptable” to clear snow and ice from pavements themselves should the need arise.

Government guidance can be found at: www.gov.uk/clear-snow-road-path-cycleway. This makes it clear that it is unlikely anyone will be sued or held responsible if someone is injured on a path or pavement that has been cleared carefully.

The advice on removing snow and ice is:

• do it early in the day - it’s easier to move fresh, loose snow

• don’t use water - it might refreeze and turn to black ice

• use salt if possible - it will melt the ice or snow and stop it from refreezing overnight (but don’t use the salt from salting bins as this is used to keep roads clear)

• use ash and sand if sufficient salt is not available - it will provide grip underfoot

• pay extra attention when clearing steps and steep pathways - using more salt may help

Councillor Carl Maynard, lead cabinet member for Transport and Environment, said: “We know people are sometimes cautious about clearing snow and ice for fear of being sued, but it’s really important people do work together to make sure everyone stays safe if we get severe or snowy weather.”

• For more information visit ww.eastsussex.gov.uk/alerts The council is also on Twitter: www.twitter.com/EastSussexCC (it is using the hashtag #ESwinter) and by using ‘like’ on Facebook www.facebook.com/eastsussexcc

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If the North wind blows

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