SNOW: Don't drive, you're risking your life, warn police (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

SNOW: Don't drive, you're risking your life, warn police

10:22am Friday 18th January 2013 in News

POLICE in Malmesbury have issued an urgent warning to drivers to stay off the road altogether today and keep them clear for emergency services after two main routes became blocked in several places.

They are already stretched dealing with multiple incidents including jacknifed lorries near Brinkworth and a blockage at Charlton.

But said Sgt Martin Alvis: “We are rapidly approaching the situation where police will not be able to get through because people are blocking the roads.”

Drivers had tried to go out but were unable to make slopes and hills and were ending up blocking the route. The powdery snow was making the road surface extremely slippery.

“It is irresponsible and selfish to go out on the roads today,” he said.

Both the B4040 Sherston and the B4042 towards Swindon are badly affected. A car has hit a telegraph pole bringing down a power line across the road at Sherston.

Heavy snow is still falling in the area and is forecast to continue until lunchtime.