Icy roads prompt warning to Gloucestershire drivers

Gritters and snowploughs have been out overnight

Gloucestershire police are warning drivers not to travel "unless absolutely necessary as roads are treacherous countywide".

They are using 4x4 vehicles to assist people and said ice was a hazard. They have asked the public not to call except in an emergency.

Many roads are closed including the A429, which will be shut for a few days after a tanker crashed on Saturday.

The A40 and the A436 are shut as temperatures fell to -10C on Sunday.

Both lanes on the A429 are closed between Cirencester and Stow after the crash on Saturday.

The A436 Seven Springs to the A40 is closed. Leckhampton Hill to the Air Balloon roundabout is also closed.

Police closed Acre Street and Lansdown Road to Gloucester Street in Stroud because of ice.

Nurses who are available to work in the county are being asked to contact the lead nurses at the Gloucestershire Royal and Cheltenham General.

'Blizzard conditions'

NHS Gloucestershire said the hospitals were coping but many nurses were having to work longer hours to cover those who were unable to get to work.

Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said people seemed to be taking the advice to avoid driving in the conditions.

The fire spokesman said: "Despite the blizzard conditions on Saturday, the service has not been needed to respond to any big fires or major rescues.

"Our main role this weekend has been providing drivers and four-wheel-drive vehicles to support paramedics getting to emergencies.

Motorists do seem to be taking highways advice to drive only if needed and to drive very carefully."

Gritters and snow ploughs have been out across the county overnight.