Bristol snow: Black ice warning to drivers

Students in Bristol spent Saturday night in an igloo to raise money for the homeless

Drivers in Bristol are being warned to take extra care after sub-zero temperatures turned snow on the roads to black ice.

Gritting crews have continued to salt the city's priority roads in a bid to minimise travel disruption.

The M48 Severn River Crossing has now reopened in both directions after it was closed for safety reasons.

The Highways Agency has cleared it of compacted ice and there is a 40 mph speed limit in place.

It had been shut since Friday.

Meanwhile one lane remains closed in both directions on the M4 Second Severn Crossing.

A local authority spokesman said ice was widespread which "highlights the importance of driving carefully".

Parents are being advised to check Bristol City Council's website for a full list of school closures on Monday.

Four University of Bristol students used the snowy conditions as an opportunity to spend Saturday night in an igloo on the city's Downs to raise money for homeless charity Crisis.

'Really cold'

So far Mark Smithes, Adam Sales, Laurence Falconer and Jess Railton have raised £300 and plan to sleep in the igloo again on Sunday night to increase the total.

Ms Railton said: "It was really fun to be in an igloo and it really makes me think what the homeless go through at this time of year, because it was really cold."

Railway operator First Great Western said there were delays of up to one hour on trains running between Bristol and London Paddington, due to a signal problem. It was unable to give an estimate on when the problem would be resolved.

The South West Trains service between Salisbury and Bristol Temple Meads has been restored after it was closed for two days due to the weather.

But while the snow and ice remains, passengers are being advised to check before attempting to travel.

First Bus said there continued to be disruption to its service and advised people to check its website for updates.

Bristol Airport is operating as normal.

The Bristol Rovers versus Exeter match on Saturday at the Memorial Stadium was postponed.