Neil Greig, IAM Director of Policy and research, said: “The IAM is very supportive of the proposed new code of practice to assist the public when snow clearing. Clarification on the right course of action in winter weather means people will be confident that, when they are clearing the snow outside their house, they are doing a good deed rather than exacerbating the problem. The code will help people to help themselves as well as their communities.

Mr Greig added: “Councils also have an important role to play in supporting local people by providing salt supplies, keeping grit bins topped up and making their information more accurate and timely.”

In its submission the IAM highlighted the need for better advice on winter driving but stopped short of any form of compulsory skid training which would be totally unfeasible. For IAM advice on dealing with snow and ice visit iam.org.uk/driving_tips.”