AS SNOW falls across the south east, road users are being advised not to travel unless absolutely essential.
While Reading and Wokingham have yet to see much of the white stuff, other parts of the region has been affected.
This includes the M20 in Kent around junctions 8 and 9, the A21 and the A429.
The resulting traffic is preventing gritters fitted with snowploughs from getting through in some areas.
The Met Office has issued a snow and ice warning for the area, although Berkshire is not currently included.
While it is cloudy and cold, with temperatures struggling to get above freezing, no snow is forecast for either Wokingham or Reading. That being said, snow can be highly localised and light flurries have been seen this evening, so the situation could change overnight.
National Highways duty operations manager for the region, Gina Oxley, said: “We have been out gritting throughout the afternoon and we’re continuing to treat routes so we can reach the worst affected areas and support our customers with their journeys.
“For anyone thinking of travelling tonight our advice would be not to unless absolutely essential as heavy snow is expected to continue until 9am tomorrow.”
Road users who do decide to venture out are advised to plan ahead and are warned to expect:
Possible travel delays on roads with some stranded vehicles and passengers, along with delayed or cancelled rail and air travel
Some rural communities could become temporarily cut off
There is a small chance that power cuts will occur and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
A chance of injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
A chance that untreated pavements and cycle paths become impassable
The public is advised to take extra care, further information and advice can be found here: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/
Further information about how to prepare for journeys in severe weather in Winter can also be found here: https://nationalhighways.co.uk/road-safety/travelling-in-severe-weather/travelling-in-winter/
Further information is available from National Highways by visiting www.trafficengland.comwebsite and travel apps, or via regional twitter feeds.
The contact centre team, available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, is also available to provide up-to-the-minute information on: 0300 123 5000.
