25/10/2010 - Snow Code encourages 'common sense'
Concerned shopkeepers will be able to clear ice from their entrances and carry on with regular business following the Government's new Snow Code.
According to the codes, there is no rule that says snow and ice cannot be cleared from pavements, pathways and public spaces.
This will also be welcome news for home owners who face problems clearing up their porch after snow sets in.
Last winter saw a number of anxious prevented from clearing their icy pathways through fears of someone slipping outside their house and suing them.
But the code said that as long as people used common sense and did not make things more dangerous they need not fear legal action and that people who walked on areas affected by bad weather had a responsibility to be careful themselves.
Philip Hammond, Transport Secretary, said: "People were put off taking simple neighbourly action last year because they feared getting sued and that's clearly not right.
"That's why we have produced a common-sense guide to help shopkeepers and residents who want to clear paths without having to worry about falling foul of health and safety law.
"There's a feeling that health and safety culture has got out of control in recent years and it's time to get the balance right.
"People need to know it's extremely unlikely they will be sued for helping the community and clearing snow from the pavement and that Government is on their side."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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