Pavements
Why don’t you routinely grit paths and pavements?
We don’t carry out precautionary gritting of paths and pavements, but we do undertake post treatment, meaning we apply salt after the ice or snow fall.
Priority footpath routes are gritted when snow or severe icy conditions are predicted to last for a long period.
Which pavements are gritted as a priority?
We have a priority system for footway treatment within the Scottish Borders. Footpaths within main towns are our first treatment priority.
These include main shopping areas and key routes to:
- town centres
- medical centres
- schools
- public buildings
Main pedestrian routes to residential areas and steep hills within housing developments will be treated before we begin treating the rest of the footpath network.
Why don’t you grit more paths and pavements?
We aim to grit all affected paths and pavements in order of priority and when the weather conditions persist for a prolonged period of time.
The path network is almost 780 miles long and so we prioritise the primary routes, extending to some 13% of the network.
What if I can’t walk on the road or pavement?
During prolonged or extreme events you should exercise caution and consider the need or means of travel to allow the weather to improve.
Ask yourself do you absolutely have to go out of the house. If you choose to do so dress appropriately including footwear and be sure to let others know your planned movements and what time to expect you.
Above all consider if this trip is able to be delayed.
Can I clear/grit the pavement outside my house?
We encourage everyone to help play their part by clearing snow and ice from the public pavement near their properties during periods of bad weather.
Also think about whether you can help neighbours who may not be able to clear snow and ice themselves.
Can someone sue me if they slip on the pavement I cleared/gritted?
You have no obligation to clear or grit the public pavements outside your house and have no liability if someone slips and injures themselves.
However, if by clearing or gritting the pavement you create a new or greater risk you may be held liable, but the injured party would have to prove that your actions had directly resulted in them slipping and injuring themselves.