The Council’s Streetcare Team will do its best to clear snow and spread salt on priority travel routes, during winter weather. The Council has purchased three 4x4 snow ploughs to tackle more side streets than it was able to in the past.
However, it is inevitable we cannot reach every street in Rhondda Cynon Taf, and ‘good neighbours’ can help by clearing snow and ice from private driveways, pavements and (following heavy snow) roads – but only where it is safe to do so.
Here’s some advice for ‘good neighbours’ when clearing snow and ice:
- Try to clear snow early in the day – it’s easy to move fresh, loose snow
- Don’t use water – it might refreeze and turn to black ice, causing an additional hazard for pedestrians and road users.
- Spread salt if possible – it will melt snow and ice, stopping it from re-freezing overnight. Please use ordinary table salt for footways and private driveways, as salt provided by the Council in salt bins is used on roads.
- Be proactive – the Council and weather forecasts will often give prior warning of the risk of snow and ice, so residents can spread salt before the winter weather arrives. If you don’t have salt, alternatives such as ash and sand will also provide grip underfoot.
- Take extra care - especially when you are spreading salt or clearing snow off steps or on steep inclines, and ensure you don’t block people’s paths or drains when clearing snow from one place to another. Make a path down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on.
Don't be put off clearing paths because you're afraid someone will get injured. Remember, people walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to be careful themselves.
The Met Office has provided a handy ‘Snow Code’ for clearing your path or driveway.