The general public often see responsibility for snow clearance as resting with the local authority. But what can the public realistically do to help themselves and their local neighbourhood during extreme weather periods?

The LGA report Weathering the Storm II (2010) explains that, on average, councils treat about 45% of their network under normal conditions and that in prolonged severe weather conditions this will have to be reduced.

The public’s own attitude and responsibility during periods of adverse weather should be challenged. In reality it is not possible for the local highway authority to clear and grit all roads and pathways, and greater mobilisation of community resources and self-help is needed to keep more footways, in particular, clear.

Advice and information for the public on snow clearance and gritting

Information is provided about the ‘Snow code’ on the www.direct.gov.uk website, which includes tips on clearing snow and ice from pavements or public spaces safely and effectively:

“Prevent slips – Pay extra attention to clear snow and ice from steps and steep pathways - you might need to use more salt on these areas. If you clear snow and ice yourself, be careful - don’t make the pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put off clearing paths 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. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. 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 may refreeze and turn to black ice. Black ice increases the risk of injuries as it is invisible and very slippery. You can prevent black ice by spreading some salt on the area you have cleared. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon for each square metre you clear should work. Don’t use the salt found in salting bins - this will be needed to keep the roads clear. Be careful not to spread salt on plants or grass as it may cause them damage. 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.”

“Take care where you move the snow – When you’re shovelling snow, take care where you put it so it doesn’t block people’s paths or drains. Make sure you make a path down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on. Then shovel the snow from the centre of the path to the sides.”

“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.”

Utilising voluntary and community resources

The LGA recommend that were it is not possible to treat roads and footways, local authorities should engage with voluntary and community resources, making use of parish councils, individual householders, farmers and local businesses to clear snow and ice and ensure the resilience of the local community.

Redeploying local authority staff and resources

If possible, it is suggested that arrangements for snow clearance and gritting could include re-deploying staff from other services to help clear snow and ice, for example when refuse collection is suspended due to bad weather, staff could be trained to clear roads and footways that would not otherwise be treated.

Well Maintained Highways – Guidance

Complimentary guidance is available from the Roads Liaison Group to provide advice and direct users to where they may find more up to date information to assist them in implementing best practice and the recommendations of the Code. The guidance is available by clicking here.

Reporting flooding on the roads

For information on reporting flooding in your local area, Directgov provide information and guidance on how the public can report road flooding and burst water mains. You can access this information by clicking here.

Obtaining traffic information

Traffic conditions can change as you travel.  The more information you have, the easier it will be for you to change your route if you need to. Directgov provide information on how to get live updates and avoid congestion on England's motorways and trunk roads. You can access this information by clicking here

Employer responsibilities: Business Continuity arrangements

For many employees, a message they may receive from their employer is that they should make “every reasonable effort to make their way into work”. But is this right? Perhaps these messages ought to be revised, where possible, to give greater account to the ‘need to travel’. Such messages may provide greater emphasis on employees working from during periods of adverse weather, or when severe weather is expected which may impede the ability of the transport infrastructure to effectively move people and goods.   

Employers are advised to have business continuity arrangements in place to prepare for unpredicted events including a plan for severe weather, so that employees are aware of what is expected of them. This also allows employees to consider their own travel arrangements, or plan for alternative working arrangements when severe weather is considered likely to disrupt their usual travel plans. 

When employment is not location dependent, businesses can help ease potential disruption to the road and transport network, as well as their employees and business, by having work-from-home arrangements in place for their staff. This would effectively reduce the number of journeys attempted in hazardous weather conditions.

Public responsibility for when driving in extreme weather

Be prepared for bad weather and make sure you don't get caught out when severe weather strikes. Check and service your vehicle. You can reduce your chances of breaking down by regularly servicing your car. You should also:

• top up anti-freeze and screenwash;
• check for wear and tear on wiper blades (replace them as soon as they start to smear rather than clean windows);
• make sure your battery is fully charged (batteries last between two and four years - replace yours if it's no longer reliable);
• keep tyre pressure at the manufacturer's recommended level and check you have at least 3 millimetres of tread;
• wipe dirt and spray off headlamps and make sure all bulbs are working. 

Carry an emergency kit – a basic kit should include:

• map;
• jump leads for the car battery;
• torch;
• warning triangle;
• ice scraper and de-icer;
• first-aid kit;
• warm clothes.

If you are planning a long trip or if severe weather is forecast, you may want to add:

• a shovel (if there's a chance of snow);
• a pair of boots;
• a blanket;
• any medication you need to take regularly;
• food and a thermos with a hot drink;
• Sunglasses – because of the glare in snowy conditions (DirectGov, 2011).

In the most severe weather conditions, you should only drive if you really need to. Otherwise it may be better to delay your journey until the weather improves. Even after roads have been treated in winter, driving conditions may remain challenging - especially if there is a high risk of ice. Be aware that ice forms more easily on hilly or exposed roads; roads that pass under or over a bridge; roads shaded by trees or buildings.