Snow

Kent weather update as six inches of snow fall in county

Police are warning motorists only travel today if their journey is “absolutely essential” after heavy snow fell across Kent.

Most of the county woke up to find up to six inches of snow had fallen after showers swept in last night.

Rail services are heavy disrupted while most of the county’s main roads remain passable with care.

However, weather forecasters say no further snow is expected to fall today – but warn plunging temperatures will mean ice will be the main problem ahead of Monday’s return to work.

A Kent Police spokesman said: “After heavy snowfall overnight, Kent Police is advising motorists not to travel today unless their journey is absolutely essential.

“Kent Police along with a number of agencies have been working throughout the night to ensure people reach their destination as quickly as possible today.

“Most of the major routes are currently passable with care but driving condition are extremely difficult in many places so anyone needing to travel is advised to take extra care and allow plenty of extra time for their journey.”

The current situation on the major roads and ports is:

M25 - all lanes open and running including the Dartford Crossing

M20 - passable with care

M26 - all lanes open again

M2 - passable with care

The Sheppey Bridge is open and passable with care

A249 Detling Hill - passable with care

A229 Bluebell Hill - passable with care

A299 Thanet Way - passable with care but drifting snow is causing driving problems

Boxley Hill in Maidstone has now re-opened and is passable with care

A274 near Langley - the fallen tree has been cleared and all lanes open

A254 - Ramsgate Road, Margate - passable with care.

Vicarage Lane in Elham is closed in both directions due to ice

Ongoing signal problems at the level crossing in Chilham have caused the barriers to stay down so please avoid the area if you can or expect delays

The main roads into and out of Dover - A20 and Jubilee Way - are passable with care

People using the Port of Dover are advised to check with their ferry operator before travelling and allow extra time for their journey to the Port.

Eurotunnel and ferry operators are operating a full service at this time.

Travelling in France

Due to the weather conditions in France, the French authorities have imposed some vehicle restrictions. HGVs/freight vehicles over 7.5 tonnes and coaches cannot use the A16 and A216 and are being asked to use an alternative route on A26. There are no restrictions on cars.

Train services

All train routes are now open but subject to possible delays. Please check with your rail operator before travelling.

Bus services

There is a limited bus service across the county at this time but the bus operators expect to run more buses as the road conditions improve. Please check with your bus company before travelling.

Police have issued the following advice to motorists:

Listen to traffic updates before setting off. Heavy snow and freezing temperatures are expected to affect the county for the next few days, so please check the weather forecast and road conditions before you travel.

If you do have to drive in bad weather, make sure you have enough fuel for your journey and carry warm waterproof clothing, a blanket, spade, food, water and a torch in your vehicle in case you break down or get stuck.

Allow time to prepare your car for the journey. Make sure you can see clearly before setting off. De-ice your windows and remove snow from the windows and from the roof of your vehicle to avoid snow slipping onto your windscreen.

Select second gear to pull away, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel spin. If your car has an automatic gearbox, it may have a special button for snow and icy conditions - check your handbook to make sure.

Poor weather conditions mean it can be harder for drivers to see and it takes longer to stop, so use your lights and keep well back from the car in front.

In poor visibility be extra alert for hazards. It can take twice as long to stop your vehicle when the roads are icy, so slow down. Always apply the brakes gently, and release them and de-clutch if the car skids.

When driving downhill, choose a lower gear to reduce the need to use your brakes, and therefore reducing your chances of skidding.

If your vehicle gets stuck, straighten the steering wheel and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again, try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.

Pedestrians and cyclists, be vigilant and make sure you can be seen however you are travelling - this includes using lights and wearing high visibility clothing

If you are forced to abandon your vehicle, try to ensure it is not causing an obstruction.