Guide will set out how to shovel snow in winter without getting sued
A GUIDE is to be issued for Plymouth householders who want to help clear pavements of snow and ice during winter cold snaps but fear being sued.
The 'Good Samaritans' code aims will provide advice and aim to reassure residents worried about being slapped with a negligence claim.
It was among the recommendations made in a Whitehall-commissioned review following the worst winter weather for 30 years, which highlighted concerns among the public about the threat of litigation.
The report by the Winter Resilience Review Panel, chaired by RAC Foundation chief David Quarmby, said: "It would seem the public are willing to take their part in the local clearance of snow and ice, but are looking for this role to be formalised to ensure that the burden is shared fairly. Government could develop national guidelines on a similar basis to help the public clear footways in a safe and efficient manner.
"The scale and immediacy of pavement clearance means that the only realistic national solution is for the public to support local authorities in clearing the footways of any snow and ice outside their property."
The review team called for the drawing-up of a code of good practice by the end of October 2010 in time for the coming winter.
The advice will include not using hot water to melt the snow, as it will replace it with black ice, increasing the risk of slipping.
The aim is to set a standard which if followed 'should guard the public against negligence claims'.
Announcing a snow-clearing code for residents, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said in a statement to Parliament: "Although highway authorities have a duty, as far as practicable, to keep their highways clear of snow and ice, it was clear from last winter that many members of the public were keen to show community spirit in clearing the footways outside their property.
"It was equally clear, however, that many were uncertain of their rights and liabilities if they were to act in this way."
Mr Hammond said the code would be drawn up 'not in the spirit of laying down what people should or should not do, but in the spirit of empowering those who wish to act in a neighbourly way'.
8 Comments
by Kevin, in Germany
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 6:42PM
“Only in jolly old England can you get sued for clearing snow. Here in Germany you can get sued if you don't clear the path of snow in front of your house before 08:00 hrs. It's clear here that you are responsible for the path in front of your dwellings. That means you have to salt or grit the path after you've cleared it of snow. EASY isn't it eh? England is turning into the laughing stock of the EU......BRAVO!!!”
by David, St Austell
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 6:35PM
“What a stupid remark. I am retired and worked all my life. I also have a life thank you very much.”
by Rick, plymouth
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 4:39PM
“Rick O Shay
you seem to comment on alot of the stories maybe you should get a job or a life”
by David, St Austell
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 4:37PM
“If it wasn't for everyone wanting to sue at the drop of a hat and a horde of greedy lawyers only too willing to take the case your comment Rick would have been comical. Unfortunately it is very near the truth. A sad comment on society today.Neighbours looking out for others is getting to be a thing of the past.”
by Rick O'Shay, zog
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 4:13PM
“1. Clear the pavement of snow outside your house
2. Put up hazard warning signs to pedestrians
3. Make all pedestrians who wish to walk the section you have cleared sign a waiver absolving you of all responsibility in the event of an accident.
Easy peasy.”
by Glenn, North Atlantic
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 1:40PM
“In Plymouth we are not use to the snow that the North of England usually gets. But unlike Plymouth People, the Northerners now what to do. When I visit relations in Chester, I am always amazed at how the community pulls together when it snows, and this has been going on since I was a child. I spent holidays in Chester over winter, and when it snowed, everyone, and I mean everyone cleared their own paths, and the front of their properties. Of course back then (1950s/60s) many house holders had open fires. Once the snow was cleared the ash from the fires went on the paths to help with the grip. So why not have a centralised distribution point, where house holders could get a bag of Rock Salt, so they can spread it around their property. Helping the community.”
by stuart, Plymouth
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 11:26AM
“Right,how to clear snow whilst at the same time removing the salt bins..d'uh”
by Dave, Devonport
Wednesday, July 28 2010, 10:48AM
“I'm more interested in how much this "Winter Resilience Review Panel" is costing us.
Naturally if people knew they wouldn't be sued they'd all clear their bit of pavement and life in Winter would be a lot easier...yeah right,that would be "someone else's job" for the majority.”