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A new 'Snow Code' will encourage residents to take action without fear of prosecution as it was revealed that last year, many were too afraid to clear snow for fear of falling foul of health and safety laws, leaving themselves open to prosecution.

The Government has announced that homeowners and shopkeepers alike will be able to take "common-sense action" to help clear away snowfall, which last Winter, caused a £1 billion pounds-worth of disruption to the country, following the publication of a report into last Winter's disruption.

The report also suggested greater road salt reserves be held by local councils and improvements in road salt supply logistics.

Rail and air travellers will also be cheered to learn that the report recommended Rail Companies de-ice more trains and make better use of contingency timetables, whilst air travellers will be pleased to learn that recommendations of making more de-icer available to airlines and airports alike as well as keeping passengers better informed were suggested.

One of last Winter's biggest moans by the public involved so called boundary changes - e.g a bus station wasn't gritted but the road was etc. The report highlights this issue and says 'who grits what' must be sorted out well in advance.

It concludes by advising that routes to rail and bus stations, airports and ports and access to the motorway network must be the priority to keep the country moving.