HL Deb 24 February 2003 vol 645 cc7-8WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Highways Authority or any other public authority is under a duty to ensure that public highways are able to be used safely and efficiently by road traffic during adverse weather conditions, whether by gritting the surface or otherwise. [HL 1600]

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston

In England a highway authority is required to remove snow that is causing an obstruction. There is no duty to remove ice, but we shall introduce one at a suitable legislative opportunity.

We have instructed the Highways Agency to continue its usual practice of keeping motorways and trunk roads free of ice and snow.