And as residents of the Balmossie Green development off the A92 opposite Panmurefield Village have found, if that road is on a hill, there may be no-one who has the legal responsibility to treat snow and ice on it.

During the run-up to Christmas, when conditions were particularly treacherous, some residents were simply unable to get their cars up the steep brae to their houses. It is reported that some have spun on the ice.

Others are reluctant even to attempt the hill, particularly with children in their cars.

What particularly galls the residents is that salt and grit lorries can be seen whizzing up and down the A92, but are not empowered to treat Balmossie Green, a Stewart Milne Homes development.

We contacted a spokeswoman for Stewart Milne Homes, who told us: "The last occupation at Balmossie Green took place in June 2009, and a property management company is now maintaining the development on behalf of the owners.

"As the roads and footpaths on the development have yet to be adopted by the council, Stewart Milne Homes supplies and maintains a number of grit bins throughout the site as a goodwill gesture in the interim.

"As with most minor roads, however, residents are responsible for distributing the grit as and when it is required. Whilst we understand this may not be convenient, homeowners can discuss alternative arrangements with their development factor if they so wish."