BackAction on icy pavements needed
With temperatures plummeting and the chance of more snow this week, national charity Living Streets is calling on local councils to ensure that pavements are gritted so they do not turn into ice rinks during the winter months.
We’ve all been there – slipping and sliding along our pavements in the morning frost as the weather turns cold, while cars roar past on freshly gritted roads. It’s a problem for anyone who wants to walk to the shops, to work, even just to the local bus stop. But if you’re older or have a disability, these dangerous conditions make it almost impossible to venture outdoors.
Many local authorities already take effective action to keep our pavements accessible to all throughout winter, but Living Streets is calling on Councils to make this the rule, not the exception. The disregard for pedestrian routes in icy conditions not only discourages people from walking locally, but can also result in Councils having to pay huge amounts of compensation to those injured as a result.
Tony Armstrong, Chief Executive of Living Streets, said:
“Local Authorities have got to start taking the needs of pedestrians seriously. Gritting pavements as well as roads is a simple, cost effective step, but without it vulnerable people are forced to stay indoors and everyone on the streets are put at risk of a painful fall.
“Icy conditions are not just a problem for motorists, they can make it more difficult for people walking too. Having to put on ice skates to nip to the corner shop is far from an ideal situation. Our streets should be safe, attractive and enjoyable for all, not just those in motor vehicles.”
For tips and advice about winter walking, please visit www.walkingworks.org.uk.
Notes to editors:
Living Streets’ national Walking Works campaign is part of a portfolio of projects being delivered by a Consortium of the leading walking cycling and health organisations and funded through the Big Lottery Fund's Wellbeing Programme. The Programme provides funding to support the development of healthier lifestyles and to improve well-being.
The Consortium is led by Sustrans and includes British Cycling, CTC, Cycling England, Living Streets, London Cycling Campaign, the National Heart Forum, the National Obesity Forum, the Ramblers’ Association, Campaign for Better Transport and Walk 21. It is delivering a portfolio of projects that will enable 2 million people nationwide to become more physically active by walking or cycling as part of their daily lives by 2012.
The Big Lottery Fund, the largest of the National Lottery good cause distributors, has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK since its inception in June 2004.
Living Streets is the national charity that stands up for pedestrians. With our supporters we campaign to create safe, attractive and enjoyable streets, where people want to walk.
We have been the national voice for pedestrians throughout our 80 year history. In the early years, our campaigning led to the introduction of the driving test, pedestrian crossings and 30mph speed limits. Since then our ambition has grown. Today we influence decision makers nationally and locally, run successful projects to encourage people to walk, and provide specialist consultancy services to help reduce congestion and carbon emissions, improve public health, and make sure every community can enjoy vibrant streets and public spaces.
Published on: 04/01/2010
