'London councils are slipping up on gritting'

The research suggests councils are not paying as much attention to pathways as the roads and could do better, says the charity. Living Streets’ Director of Policy and Communications, Phillipa Hunt, commented:

“Londoners clearly feel their local councils aren’t doing enough to keep pedestrians safe.  This is a reminder to councils that keeping pavements ice free and safe is every bit as important as gritting roads. People, especially those who are older and vulnerable, need to access their local shops and services and local authorities have a duty to ensure footpaths are as safe possible.

We urge councils to sign up to our winter plan for ice-free pavements including giving key walking routes the same priority as roads, supplying grit and encouraging the public to help clear pavements and redeploying council staff that are unable to do their usual jobs in the icy weather.” 

It takes two minutes to remind your council to ensure your local pavements are as safe as possible via the Living Streets website www.livingstreets.org.uk/icy.