Icy and snowy conditions are renowned for causing slips, trips and all-round bad grip for vehicles and pedestrians alike. If you are responsible for managing a private or commercial car park, you are legally obliged to keep it safe for users regardless of weather. As winter sets in, it’s time to get your car park in shape for the bitter months ahead, so in this article, we’ll look at how to improve the safety of your car park in winter.
Employers have a responsibility to ensure their car park is safe for staff and visitors. Should an accident result due to negligence of these duties, you are not only putting lives at risk, but you could also face legal action and expense claims. One of the first things you should do is conduct a risk assessment to pinpoint weak areas of your car park, especially ones that could be exacerbated by bad weather. Then, take a look through the following ways to enhance car park safety in winter.
Potholes, puckering or uneven surfaces can cause vehicle damage if driven over. Water can also settle in these indentations, and if cold weather hits, can result in dangerous icy patches, potentially leading to accidents. This freezing and thawing of water in winter can also widen cracks and worsen potholes. Resurfacing therefore makes for a smoother, safer drive for car park users all year round – but especially in the colder months.
Anti-skid surfacing has the potential to save lives, adding a layer of grip to your car park to reduce the stopping distance of cars, and therefore, the risk of collisions. These qualities are never more useful during snowy and icy conditions.
Organisation is key to ensure traffic and pedestrians alike flow smoothly through the car park, and it’s imperative that users can navigate safely. If car parks fail to use appropriate signage or clear, correct markings, this can result in collisions due to lack of clarity. It may be that your markings are faded or outdated – either way, have them relined or add appropriate ones to avoid any unnecessary confusion or accidents.
When bad weather strikes, you should ensure that you have access to grit, as well as assigning someone with the responsibility of gritting the key areas of your car park. You may wish to pre-grit areas when bad weather is predicted, in anticipation of the event. This may not only include the roads but also any footpaths or walkways that surround the car park – including any slopes or disabled access areas.
Winter is not only the time for snow, but also for rain. When combined with leaves and other fallen debris, this gradually creates a slippery surface of wet organic matter that can compromise the traction of tyres. Make sure you clear away this debris on a regular basis to ensure vehicles and pedestrians alike can benefit from the grip the surface offers. Also make sure that larger fallen branches are dealt with immediately so they don’t obstruct any area of the car park.
Searching for specialist road marking services, pothole repair and anti-skid surfacing anywhere in the UK? Here at Landmark Road Lining we offer a nationwide service to get your roads, car parks and playgrounds in pristine shape. We create legally compliant markings and surfaces to protect the health and safety of your users – to find out more, simply contact our friendly team today.
Call us today on: 0808 196 4779
Fill in your details and we can call you back at a time that suits you.
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, assist in our marketing efforts, and for personalised advertising.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and deliver personalised ads. By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyse site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.
