... Snow moaners

Dear sir/madam,

Whenever snow hits the UK, everything grinds to a halt.  Trains, buses, roads, schools - all are affected.

This year, Facebook and Twitter have been bombarded with photographic comparisons of a car stuck in 2 inches of slush in the UK and vehicles driving safely flanked by 10 feet of snow in Canada/Norway.

Well, let's look at why that is a rubbish comparison.  In some parts of the world, snow covers the infrastructure for up to 6 months of the year.  Without the means to clear roads, these countries would be crippled.  Even so, occasionally, businesses have to close for a short while and people work from home.  They do this, because they do not feel compelled to run out to a muddy hill with (or without) their kids to slide down it on a sledge they bought last year and haven't had a chance to use yet.  Snow is a way of life for these people and investing in the equipment needed to clear roads is money well spent.

No council in the UK is going to invest heavily to deal with something that may or may not affect them for 2 or 3 days a year.  How many people do you know who own (and use) snow chains?  What about putting winter tyres on your car?  Let's face it, most British people don't even go out with a coat!  If we're not willing to make that investment, why do we expect our local councils to?
Head teachers come in for criticism for closing schools, but if your child is injured (or worse) in a school bus accident caused because of the snow, how would you feel then?

We are not equipped to travel in snow, so why not work from home, stay off the roads and let those who NEED to be out (crucial services for the elderly, sick and in need) have a clear run.  Don't get me wrong, I am self-employed and don't get paid if I don't get to work, but I would rather not be paid, than risk not coming home to my partner and little boy(s - Edit).

Get up early, do your paper work and email it to your boss - then go build a snow man with your kids.  Stay safe and warm.

Yours,

Welsh Letters.