“Making ice slides in the street is illegal in London”
The Metropolitan Police Act 1839 prohibits making or using "any slide upon ice or snow in any street or other thoroughfare, to the common danger of the passengers." This targeted the practice of street urchins polishing patches of ice to create slides.
In the winter months, children and youths would polish patches of ice on streets to create impromptu slides for their amusement. While recreational for the youths, these slides became invisible hazards for pedestrians and horses, leading to falls and broken bones. The phrasing "to the common danger" highlights the Act's focus on public liability and safety rather than a mere dislike of fun. The law remains technically in force in the Metropolitan Police District of London, though it is rarely if ever enforced in modern times. The Metropolitan Police Act 1839 was part of a broader effort to regulate the chaotic streets of rapidly industrializing Victorian London, where horses, pedestrians, and vendors competed for limited space.
Where the story gets it wrong
People often assume this law applies only to children, or that it is purely historical with no modern relevance. In fact, it applies to anyone regardless of age and remains part of English law today.
Some believe the law covers only deliberately built ice slides. In reality, it can apply to any action that creates a dangerous icy surface on a public street, not just constructed slides.
Every person shall be liable to a penalty not more than level 2 on the standard scale, who, within the limits of the metropolitan police district, shall in any thoroughfare or public place, commit any of the following offences ... 17. Every person who shall fly any kite or play at any game to the annoyance of the inhabitants or passengers, or who shall make or use any slide upon ice or snow in any street or other thoroughfare, to the common danger of the passengers.
- Current status
- Rarely Enforced
- Enacted
- August 17, 1839
- Penalty
- Fine of up to level 2 on the standard scale (currently £500); the original 1839 penalty was forty shillings
- Jurisdiction
- Greater London area under Metropolitan Police jurisdiction