With Britain in the middle of the coldest winter for 300 years, politicians and scientists have been scrabbling around to find low-cost and effective ways of coping with the weather.
But with budgets tight, it seems that a look back at age-old inventions could help provide some answers. In 1903, The Engineer became particularly excited about one solution offered by a Mr Harry Parsons of Clapham Road, London.
’It would appear that a device has at last been invented whereby the bête noire of the motor car driver – side slip – can be circumvented,’ wrote The Engineer. ’Self-propelled vehicles, and motors have been crying out for a device which will, figuratively speaking, interpose a suitable path between the tyre and the film of grease.’

The solution was to place two flexible wire hoops on each side of the wheel and connect them together with steel chains passing in a zig-zag from one hoop to the other. Very similar to today’s snow chains, the design was reported to operate in all weather conditions without causing excessive wear or damage to the tyre.
’The effect in running is said to be that the non-skidder creeps around the wheel,’ added the article. ’Regarding for the moment one chain only, this would never press the tyre in the same spot in two or three consecutive revolutions…we understand that the device has been put to very thorough tests, and has acquitted itself well.’
Snow chains today come with their own problems. But the lasting popularity of Parsons’ concept proves that simple solutions can be very effective.
As almost the only car (or any other type of motor vehicle) that was still moving in the High Wycombe area 24 months ago, I would love to hear what the problems are with snow chains.
My only problem in snow is to find roads that haven’t been blocked by incompetent drivers who think their 4x4s can go anywhere in the snow. I just look for the steepest hills and I am fine. (Rover 75 estate, for those who are curious for detail).
I was ready again 12 months ago, but never needed to fit them. Now, where’s all the cold this winter – I seem to be missing out again?