Who should clear and salt which road? Obligations to respect

SNOW – That's it, the snow has arrived in France, and not just in the mountain ranges. The snowflakes fell on the plains this Thursday, November 21 over a large part of northern France, as you can see in the video at the top of the article. And this will last at least until this Friday morning.

This return of the white coat on the roadways raises the following question: who should remove the snow? Residents may be advised to clear snow in front of their homes. But is it an obligation? Who should clear and salt the roads, roads and highways? HuffPost takes stock here of the obligations of individuals and institutions.

It's up to you to clear your sidewalk, under certain conditions

As the public service points out, snow removal consists of clearing the snow and salting or sanding in the event of ice. Is it up to you to do it? Yes, when it comes to the sidewalk located in front of your home, but only if a decree from the mayor provides for it. The road itself is, however, maintained by municipal services.

If an order exists, it must be posted at the town hall and signs can also be posted near homes to indicate this obligation.

To whom does this possible obligation apply?

– Tenants or owners of a detached house

– The co-ownership trustee acting on behalf of the union of co-owners of a co-owned building

Also, in certain municipalities very affected by snow, the town hall may require the installation of snow bars on the roofs of buildings bordering public roads and the removal of ice cubes formed at the edge of roofs or along downspouts.

If there is no municipal decree requiring snow removal, the town hall must take care of it.

In Paris, clean in front of your door, and not only

As far as the capital is concerned, it is up to the inhabitants to handle the shovel. Indeed, according to the interprefectural decree of June 16, 1937, owners, tenants and residents “having immediate access to the public highway, have the obligation to clear in front of their home”we can read on the Paris.fr website.

The instructions are quite specific: the sidewalk must be clear on “ the entire length of the facade and a width of up to four meters “. They must take care of preventive salting, or sanding with regard to tree-lined sidewalks. Salt or sand that you will have to buy yourself in a store or supermarket. Between 10 to 30 grams per square meter is enough.

The law specifies that tenants or owners who do not respect their obligation are liable to a fine of 38 euros. Above all, their liability can be engaged in court in the event of an accident.

Which of the departmental roads and highways?

On paid motorway sections, responsibility for snow removal falls to the concession companies. If a team dedicated to this work is not planned, private companies can intervene.

In the most delicate situations, in the event of very heavy snowfall, motorway companies can also request equipment services or the gendarmerie to secure and speed up snow removal.

Concerning the free motorway sections, their maintenance and snow removal are the responsibility of the interdepartmental road directorates.

As for country roads, even if they are sometimes set aside during heavy snowfall to favor the motorway network and national roads, they can be cleared of snow by farmers, requested by municipal services.

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