All Ile-de-France departments are classified in orange for snow and ice, notably Yvelines and Essonne. With the arrival of snowflakes and cold, the question of snow removal or salting in front of your home arises. Particularly to avoid falls on sidewalks
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Île-de-France is experiencing a significant snow episode this Thursday. Météo-France warns of the risk of icy conditions during the night from Thursday to Friday. In several municipalities, residents must clear snow or salt in front of their homes in order to avoid falls on the sidewalks.
However, the rules in terms of snow removal or salting are subject to several conditions. Who should clear the sidewalks? What does the law say? What are the penalties if a person falls? Let's take stock.
The rules are specified on the government website Service-Public.fr. It all depends on the existence of a municipal decree in your municipality.
If there is one, residents must clear snow in front of their homes. This obligation applies to owners of individual homes. For apartments, responsibility falls to the co-ownership trustee. In affected municipalities, the town hall may decide to install anti-snow bars on the roofs of buildings bordering public roads. The government also specifies that the decree must be displayed in the town hall and published on its website.
The government considers that snow removal consists of “remove the snow from in front of your house or building.” Those responsible for snow removal are also asked to ensure salting if the sidewalk is tarmac and sanding if it is asphalt, paved or concrete.
If there is no municipal decree, the town hall is responsible in the event of an accident. It is the road service which is responsible for snow removal even in front of apartment buildings and houses.
Again, this depends on the presence of a municipal decree. If it is in force, the victim of a fall can take action against the owner of the house or the co-ownership trustee. Violators risk a fine of up to 150 euros.
The victim can file an appeal with the court closest to where the accident occurred. If there is no municipal decree, it can turn against the town hall by going to court. However, local residents may be held liable even without a municipal decree in the event of negligence. For example, if snow falls from the roof of a house and damages a vehicle.
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