Hampshire Constabulary: Police and partners continue their warning to avoid non-essential travel as road closes and adverse weather continues

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Police and partners continue their warning to avoid non-essential travel as road closes and adverse weather continues

Press Releases

Published: 02/12/2010

The heavy snowfall overnight has resulted in the closure of the B3006 Alton to Selbourne road. This closure will remain in place until the road can be properly cleared.

Snow falling across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will get lighter but will carry on throughout the day, and so driving conditions will continue to be dangerous in some areas.

Traffic problems are also continuing on many other routes across the two counties. The A272, A3 and A32 are all passable but drivers are reminded to take extra care; drive slowly and maintain a safe distance from any other vehicles. The M27 and M3 are both moving well, but again, extra care should be taken.

Hampshire’s adverse weather office as been in operation throughout the night and continues to co-ordinate a multi agency response to the snow and ice.

Highways Agency and council gritting and ploughing vehicles have been treating strategic and priority routes, and responding to specific problems as they occur.

Hampshire Constabulary deployed 4x4 vehicles to many areas of the force in advance of the snow arriving, which enabled officers to respond to emergencies throughout the snowy conditions. Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service provided 4x4 vehicles to assist South Central Ambulance Service in responding to emergency calls. Local military personnel and vehicles have been used to help emergency services reach the most inaccessible areas.

Because of freezing temperatures, roads will remain dangerous into the morning, and police are urging people to consider whether their journey is really essential. Many roads are passable with extreme care, but reducing non-essential journeys decreases the risk of road traffic collisions and keeps emergency services free to respond to those who need them the most.

If you must travel:

1. Prepare yourself for your journey – first ask if your journey is really necessary. If it is, pack warm clothes, food, hot drinks, a fully charged mobile phone and a shovel. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive.

2. Prepare your vehicle for your journey – make sure your vehicle is well maintained, clear of snow and ice and that your tyres are at the correct pressure.

3. Drive safely – keep your distance, avoid hard braking or acceleration and steer gently. If you skid, ease off the accelerator, and try and avoid braking hard.

If you are staying home, take a moment to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may need some help with shopping, clearing a safe pathway or keeping warm.

In addition, Hampshire Constabulary is reminding officers and staff who cannot get to their normal place of work to ring into work, and where possible report to their nearest police station.

You can check which roads are on which priority salting routes using a map or postcode at: www.hants.gov.uk/roads/winter-maintenance

For up to date information on salting and school closures, see www.hants.gov.uk or follow @Hantsconnect on Twitter.

For more safe driving information and adverse weather updates, see www.hampshire.police.uk, follow @Hantspolice on Twitter or search Hampshire Constabulary on Facebook.

For specific Isle of Wight information, see www.iwight.com

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