Clearing paths and driveways

Can I clear my path or pavement outside my house, shop or office?

There is no law preventing you from clearing snow and ice from paths or pavement outside your house, shop or office.  Doing your part may help the local community and will be very helpful to the more vulnerable members of society.  In severe weather the roads authority may be very busy treating priority strategic and lifeline routes.  It may take time for them to come to your local road.  Regardless of what is done, pedestrians and drivers have responsibilities to be careful.

Some people may be unable to clear their paths. Being a good neighbour and clearing their paths for them is the kind of practical step that most of us can take during cold weather.

Practice advice for clearing paths and pavements

• Do not use hot water. This may melt the snow and ice but it is likely to refreeze causing more risk than it prevents.
• Use suitable warm clothing and footwear that provides a good grip.
• Do not take unnecessary risks in the road. Traffic will find it difficult to stop quickly in icy conditions. Make your self visible.
• If shovelling snow, think about where you are going to put it, so that it does not block others people's paths or the road. This simply shifts the problem elsewhere! Make sure it will not cause problems when it melts. Piling snow over gullies or drains may stop melting snow from draining away.
• It's much easier to clear fresh snow than hard packed – start as early as possible.
• Clear a small path down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a safe surface to walk on.
• Spread some salt on the area you have cleared to prevent ice forming. Remember salt can be washed away and you may need to repeat salt spreading again.  Ordinary domestic table salt or dishwasher salt will work.
• If there is no salt available, then a little sand or ash can be used to provide grip.
• Particular care and attention should be given to steps and steep slopes - additional salt could be used in these areas to reduce the risk of slipping.

Take care, use common sense and don't do anything which would be likely to cause harm to others.