Forming community gritting partnerships is among the recommendations in a report on keeping pavements clear of snow and ice during severe winter weather in North Yorkshire.
North Yorkshire Council conducted a review after the county was hit by days of heavy snow and freezing temperatures in January.
The authority’s highways teams received more than 900 requests for help due to the bad weather between January 4 and 13, when temperatures plummeted to -10C and numerous roads and footpaths became impassable.
Nigel Smith, the council’s head of highway operations, said in a report for councillors that the incident came after several years of milder winters.
“After the Beast from the East in March 2018, winters have generally become increasingly milder and wetter.”
“Until January 2025, snowfall, sub-zero temperatures and ice/frost hazards were still experienced during these winter periods but were generally more transient and not as prolonged or intense as that March 2018 Beast from the East weather event, when some 80,000 tonnes of de-icing salt was used during that whole winter season.”
In January, 36,870 tonnes of salt was used over the seven-day period which was more than the totals used in either of the previous two winters.
The report makes nine recommendations, which will be discussed by senior councillors and officers on Friday.
These include:
- Greater emphasis on footway clearance and treatment on key routes after heavy snow
- Greater use of mechanical equipment to clear and treat footways in urban centres
- Promoting community gritting partnerships with parish and town councils and residents’ groups
- Issuing guidance to the public on getting prepared for winter, snow clearance and myth busting
Reviews of when pre-treating of pavements can be undertaken and the criteria for installing grit bins have also been put forward.
The council could also look to pull in additional resources from other departments to help deal with problems caused by severe weather.
The report suggests three mini-tractors fitted with snow ploughs and salt spreaders could be purchased at a cost of £48,000 to help clear town centre pavements.
Communities could be offered the chance to buy a push-along salt spreader at a cost of £850 each.
The report noted that there was confusion among community groups about the liability for snow clearance.
The council confirmed that claims from third parties using North Yorkshire roads and footways rested with the council, unless parish or town councils had acted in a negligent manner.
Lightwater Valley reveals reopening date
Harrogate teachers brave blizzard conditions in latest running challenge
Conservative councillors take swipes at Reform amid budget talks
Date revealed for Knaresborough Tractor Run
Yorkshire Air Ambulance appoints new CEO
Council to increase council tax by maximum after £43m "wallop" from government
Harrogate dad takes on 40,000-mile yacht race for bereavement charity
Harrogate BID backs return of town's popular Restaurant Week
Cost of Harrogate garden bin licence revealed
Spirit of Harrogate to enter administration
Call for council to support pubs and hospitality businesses
Ripon MP says Kex Gill realignment scheme is making 'good progress'
Northern Powergrid issue update on Leeds Road traffic lights
Sir Stephen Fry sends mental health message to Harrogate College students
Harrogate Cat Rescue appeals for urgent support as vet bills soar
Cuts may be needed to balance budget at North Yorkshire Police
Harrogate BID unveils full programme for town's Self Care Week
Pateley hit-and-run: Man charged with two further offences
Opinions sought on new specialist autism school in Harrogate
Harrogate MP sparks Parliamentary debate on water bosses flouting bonus ban
