Council won't grit car parks in case its sued, says lawyer (From This Is Local London)

Council won't grit car parks in case its sued, says lawyer

1:30pm Thursday 24th December 2009 in

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A LAWYER was told council bosses could be sued if they did not do a “good job” of gritting a hazardous car park – so they will not grit it at all.

Liam Hemmings, 40, of Princes Road, Bourne End rang Wycombe District Council this morning after witnessing a pregnant woman, an elderly lady and his wife Charlotte all fall over in Liston Road car park.

Mr Hemmings, who was out doing Christmas shopping, also with his mother and baby daughter Phoebe, said it was “like an ice rink” more suitable for an ice hockey game or skating than for shoppers to park.

“I rang up and they said they're not going to do the car parks, they said if they don't do a good job they could be sued.

"It's a stupid way of looking at it,” he said.

The council had earlier this week said it did not have the resources to grit its car parks.

Mr Hemmings said it was not possible to tell how slippery it was before getting into the car park and stepping out of the car.

“It's absolutely full of people trying to find spaces, initially it looks like just snow but you get out and it's covered in a sheet of ice,” he said.

Mr Hemmings said the council should at least put warning signs up but believes stronger measures are required.

“I wish health and safety had gone a bit mad and either closed the car parks or gritted them, even partially.

“Half a dangerous car park is better than a completely dangerous car park.”

None of the shoppers who fell were badly injured but others could be, Mr Hemmings fears.

WDC spokesman Leanne Watson said: “We are aware of the pressures of parking during this busy festive season and anticipate shoppers would be more frustrated if the car parks were to be closed.

“However, we have closed several top storey car park levels as a precautionary measure due to the bad weather.

“We urge people to be careful when using the council’s car parks as surfaces may still be slippery.”

The council said anyone wishing to make a claim to the council should contact insurance@wycombe.gov.uk or alternatively visit www.wycombe.gov.uk and click on the insurance claims page.