Maintaining an unadopted road in winter can be a real challenge, especially when freezing temperatures strike and hazards appear, but what can you do to make it as safe as possible?
Unlike public roads, unadopted ones are not maintained by the local council, which means the responsibility for what happens to pedestrians and vehicles will fall solely on the residents, landowners or management companies who own it.
In this guide we explore the best ways to keep you, and the public, safe on unadopted roads during the winter, from gritting and drainage to potholes and preventative planning.
What is an unadopted road?
An unadopted road is a road that can be accessed by the public, despite it being on private ground. This means the landowner must maintain it, and not a local authority, nor will it receive national highway maintenance.
You will be in charge of resurfacing it, drainage, repairing potholes and clearing any snow that may fall on it. The costs and responsibilities are usually shared among the people who benefit from using the road.
They are, in short, private roads with public access, and are not part of the public road network. If your property has one of these as part of the deeds, you are liable for what happens on these roads.
Whether you manage a shared driveway, a rural access track or are the landowner of a private lane, here are some top tips for you.
Create a winter maintenance plan
It’s important to plan ahead before winter strikes. The best place to start is by checking who exactly is responsible for the road itself.
Checking the deeds to your property will allow you to see if you are solely, or partially, responsible for the upkeep, or if a private management company is.
You should then agree on which duties you shall all perform, so everyone knows what’s expected of them. Another good idea is to keep a shared contact list of reliable local contractors who can carry out any urgent repairs that may be needed in severe weather.
Having this list will make the work more manageable and cost-effective when you all contribute equally. A small communal fund can help alleviate stress by allowing you to build up a supply of tools for when they’re needed urgently.
Improve drainage
Having poor drainage can lead to standing water, which can turn into ice in the winter. Before the colder months arrive you should clear any drains, ditches and culverts to ensure the water has somewhere to run.
Potholes have become commonplace on UK roads, but check these after a downpour to check that they’re not collecting water and fill any areas that tend to pool. You can do this by adding gravel or levelling out high spots.
Use clear winter signage
If your unadopted road becomes dangerous, or carries any hazards, having temporary signage can help prevent any accidents from occurring.
Simple signs to warn of potholes, ice or uneven surfaces can make all the difference and allow visitors and drivers to take extra care when navigating the road.
For potholes, place flags or cones around them until repairs can be carried out.
Clear snow regularly
We might not get snow every year in the UK, but when it falls it seems to fall heavily, especially in certain areas of the country. Clearing it regularly will help it from compacting and turning into ice, which can be extremely dangerous.
The good news is that you don’t have to worry about forking out for heavy machinery. Using basic tools such as shovels or a small snow-plough attachment can help you to maintain the road. Just be sure to start from the centre and work outwards to create a safe route for vehicles. For those on roads where you get footfall, it’s best to make sure that every resident keeps the front of their property clear to make it passable.
Gritting and de-icing
When the harsh weather strikes, gritting on unadopted roads is essential. Icy conditions can persist for days – or even weeks – longer than on roads maintained by the council. Use rock salt or a salt-grit mixture and apply it before temperatures drop into the negatives. The key is to use preventative measures, rather than reactive ones.
If you have a bend, a hill or a shaded section, try to pay extra attention to these, as they usually freeze and thaw first. Store your grit in sealed bins that only those who own the unadopted road have access to, so it stays dry for when needed.
Maintain your unadopted roads’ surface
Most unadopted roads are gravel, which will mean they will need regular upkeep to stay safe for pedestrians and vehicles who venture along them.
You should top up gravel periodically to replace any material that has been washed away or displaced by vehicles. Using a roller will help to compact the surface for better grip and cause less rutting.
If you notice the surface is starting to wear thin before winter, you should add fresh material to avoid more serious damage later.
Monitor and repair potholes
Winter weather can make existing potholes worse, so tackling them while they’re small is best practice.
Make sure the surface is dry before you start to fill the hole and compact it. You could use cold-lay asphalt to temporarily sort the issue during winter and plan more permanent work during the spring and summer months when conditions are better.
Trim back any overhanging trees and bushes
Overhanging trees and bushes can cause shade on the road, which can prevent ice from melting during the winter. Try to trim these back before the cold months to let in more sunlight and improve the safety of the road.
This will also help maintain clear sightlines for pedestrians walking, and drivers who use the road in slippery conditions.
Ask for professional help
If you have a particularly busy, long or steep unadopted road, you should think about seeking professional advice to help keep it safe during the winter.
Despite this being an extra investment, contractors can plough or grit surfaces during severe weather to make sure they remain accessible. If it’s critical to be used for access, for instance it leads to your driveway or for emergency vehicles to get to properties or businesses, employing them can help keep you and those around you safe.
Get land liability insurance from Adrian Flux
If your property includes an unadopted road, we can help people like you find a land liability insurance policy that works for your needs.
We offer insurance for various land types, including grazing land, private or unadopted roads, woodlands, development sites, and more.
We offer competitive rates and can tailor an insurance policy to your exact needs. For our best rates, call 0800 369 8590 or book a callback at a time that works for you.
