But where should the government employees put the snow? On many streets you can just shuffle it around and make a path, but the problem being discussed here is the set of streets with narrow sidewalks and no yards. Are you suggesting carting it away somehow?

Government clearing also raises problems that don't exist otherwise, such as individual control over how salt and snow are distributed. Maybe I don't *want* my sidewalk salted, poisoning my yard and front garden...

I've never been hassled for walking on the road when the sidewalks are bad. However, that's just my limited experience in the area, and I could believe that it happens.

I totally agree about having more winter-ready emergency services. Maybe ambulances on tank treads... :-D