Winter Roads

To clear an area of snow effectively

• When it snows, shovel it out of the way, then sweep the area clear, then sprinkle with salt. Do not use water as this will quickly re-freeze leaving icy patches.
• You can use salt from one of the council grit bins if it is for a public road, or your own table salt if for your private driveway or land. One tablespoon of salt for one square metre of road or pavement should be spread thinly to be most effective.

Can I be sued if I clear a pavement or road myself?

• There is no law preventing you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your property, pathways to your property, or public spaces. 
• It is unlikely you would face any legal liability, as long as you are careful and use reasonable care to ensure you do not make the pavement or pathway clearly more dangerous than before.
• People using areas affected by snow and ice also have a responsibility to be careful themselves.

Salt facts

• Salt is not as effective once the surface temperature reaches below minus 8 degrees C.
• Salt requires tyre action to make it more efficient.
• If it rains, the salt will be washed off the road; we (Wiltshire Council) always try to salt after it has rained. 
• Putting salt on thick snow will do nothing; the snow must be removed before salt is put down.

Wiltshire Council Your Wiltshire Magazine (2010?)