snow plough

After heavy snowfall overnight, Kent Police is advising motorists not to travel today unless their journey is absolutely essential (Sunday 5 February).

To send a link to this page to a friend, simply enter their email address below.

The message will include the name and email address you gave us when you signed up.

Email address

  Send link

To send a link to this page to a friend, you must be logged in.

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.

MAJOR ROADS AND PORTS

M25 - all lanes open and running including the Dartford Crossing

M20 - passable with care

M26 - one lane closed eastbound at junction 2a due to a broken down vehicle

M2- passable with care but some minor accidents causing delays

The Sheppey Bridge is now open and passable with care

A249 Detling Hill - this has now re-opened and is 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 - a fallen tree is partially blocking the road

Signal problems at the level crossing in Chilham have cause 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 - have now re-opened and 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 until 12pm today. 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 CANCELLATIONS

Network Rail have advised us that there are delays and cancellations to services across the county at the moment. There is no service on the Ramsgate and Canterbury lines and between Sittingbourne to Sheerness on sea. There are delays on the Ashford International to St Pancras service. 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.

Find out more about the weather from www.metoffice.gov.uk

For further information on roads, visit www.highways.gov.uk

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

Road conditions,travel information and more driving and road safety advice is available on Kent Police’s website www.kent.police.uk and follow ‘kent_police’ on Twitter or search ‘Kent Police’ on Facebook.