Scotland urged to prioritize women in snow clearance policy
- The Improvement Service in Scotland has suggested prioritizing snow clearance on pavements and cycle paths over roads.
- This recommendation is based on a Swedish trial that showed fewer winter accidents among women when these areas were cleared first.
- Critics, including motoring organizations, argue that such prioritization is unreasonable and that roads should be cleared for all users.
In Scotland, the Improvement Service has recommended that councils prioritize the clearing of pavements and cycle paths over roads during winter snow removal. This guidance is based on a Swedish trial that demonstrated a reduction in hospital admissions due to winter accidents, particularly among women. The rationale is that women are more likely to use these pathways, and thus, prioritizing their safety could lead to fewer accidents. However, this proposal has faced criticism from motoring organizations, which argue that it is unreasonable to prioritize one group over another in public space management. They emphasize that roads are meant for all users, not just specific demographics. The debate highlights the ongoing discussions around gender-responsive budgeting and the need for inclusive policies in public services.