What are the gritting rules in London and am I responsible for my own driveway?

"Across the country, highways authorities are responsible for nine out of every 10 miles of road - approximately 225,000 miles throughout the UK. They grit on average 40% of roads - a total of around 80,000 miles. In London, local councils and Transport for London (TfL) grit major roads. Gritter lorry on A9, south of Inverness. Amber weather warnings have been expanded after coming into force in parts of Scotland, as forecasters warn of heavy snow that could bring blizzard conditions and travel disruption. Picture date: Friday January 2, 2026."

"While there's no legal obligation for people to grit their own driveways, it is strongly encouraged by government guidance to help prevent accidents on your property. Government advice encourages clearing paths as a community gesture, and you don't have to buy unique bags of salt to clear ice - table or dishwasher salt will do fine, and you only need to use a tablespoon per square metre to tackle ice."

"Those public grit bins you see on the street? They are for public use on public roads and pavements, not private driveways or gardens. You have a greater risk of liability if you do nothing and someone gets hurt on your property, as occupiers have a duty of care. Under the Occupiers Liability Act 1984, householders have a duty to take reasonable care for visitors' safety when attending their home."

Highways authorities are responsible for roughly 225,000 miles of road across the UK and grit about 40% of them, around 80,000 miles. In London, local borough councils manage and grit local roads and nearby pavements, prioritising main routes and hills, while Transport for London manages and grits major A-roads such as the A40 and A406. Householders have no legal obligation to grit private driveways, but government guidance strongly encourages clearing paths to help prevent accidents and support community safety. Table or dishwasher salt, sand, or ash can be used; public grit bins are intended for public roads and pavements. Occupiers face greater liability if they do nothing, and the Occupiers Liability Act 1984 requires reasonable care for visitors' safety.

Read at www.standard.co.uk