How to clear snow around your home
The law doesn't stop you clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully.
You can help your community in heavy snowfall by:
- shovelling away the bulk
- sweeping away the rest
- salting to stop more ice building up.
Top tips
- All you need is household table salt. One tablespoon will cover a square metre, so you can use it sparingly.
- Don’t use water to clear away the snow. Even boiling water can re-freeze very quickly and leave an icy patch.
- Follow the snow code and GOV.UK advice when clearing snow and ice safely.
Grit bins
- Find your nearest grit bin
- Our over 400 grit bins contain a mix of salt and grit and can be used on roads and pavements
- You can use grit to make icy surfaces less slippery
- Spread girt in a thin, even layer
- Grit bins are often on steep road junctions or hills and not usually on major salting routes.
Winter safety video - in the community
Nicholas Ritson, Street Cleaner for Brighton & Hove City Council, gives advice on how to stay safe during snowy and icy conditions.
You can view a transcript of the community advice video (PDF 68KB).
Staying warm and healthy
Walking safely when there's snow or ice
When walking in slippery and icy conditions:
- get more grip - you can try putting stretch socks over your shoes to help get more grip
- try spiked over-shoes
- watch where you are stepping and go slowly
- cleared paths may still be icy, especially any wet and dark areas on the pavement
- wear gloves - keeping your hands out of your pockets when walking will help your balance, try to avoid carrying heavy loads as this could put you off balance
- spread your feet when walking by pointing out your toes slightly to increase your balance
- remove as much snow as possible from the bottom of your shoes as you are walking
- grassed areas are usually less slippery.
If you feel that you are going to fall, try and fall on your side. Avoid falling on your knees, spine or trying to stop your fall by putting your arm out. You will injure yourself less if you can relax your muscles.
Driving safely when there's snow or ice
- Drive with caution during freezing weather. We are not able to salt or clear all roads.
- Don't use water to clear ice off car windscreens as the water can leave icy patches on the road.
- Follow the Highway Code and always drive according to the weather conditions.
- Be careful when getting in and out of vehicles. Use the vehicle as support when getting in and out.
Winter safety video - on the road
Christina Liassides, Head of Highways Operations for Brighton & Hove City Council, gives advice on how to stay safe on the roads during snowy and icy conditions.
View the video on YouTube. You can view a transcript of the driving advice video (PDF 125KB).
You can also check our winter weather page for more information.
