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Avoid the roads: police advice

Junction 4 of the M2 on Friday morning. Picture courtesy Trevor Joyce
Junction 4 of the M2 on Friday morning. Picture courtesy Trevor Joyce

Kent's roads are slowly getting back to normal - but the M20 is still facing severe congestion and Maidstone town centre is clogged up.

Police are still advising motorists not to travel by car following significant snowfall in the county.

Snow and ice on the roads have caused road closures and dangerous driving conditions. With more snow and freezing temperatures forecast, motorists need to remain prepared for the next few days.

Chief Superintendent Matthew Nix said: “Driving conditions are hazardous so please do not travel unless your journey is absolutely necessary. The snow is heavy in Maidstone, Medway, Tunbridge Wells and in North Kent. Temperatures are forecast to fall below freezing tonight which will make roads icy and even more dangerous.

“Also, Kent Police reminds motorists not to use the hard shoulder on major roads as this prevents the emergency services from attending urgent incidents and can put lives at risk.”

Ch Supt Nix added: “If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, please check that they are safe and well. We advise that you do not drive but give them a call or ask a neighbour to knock on their door.”

Scores of roads are closed, and many more only passable with care after the heavy snowfalls.

Police are advising motorists not to travel by car following significant snowfall in the county.

Snow and ice on the roads have caused road closures and dangerous driving conditions. With more snow and freezing temperatures forecast, motorists need to remain prepared for the next few days.

Chief Superintendent Matthew Nix said: “Driving conditions are hazardous so please do not travel unless your journey is absolutely necessary. The snow is heavy in Maidstone, Medway, Tunbridge Wells and in North Kent. Temperatures are forecast to fall below freezing tonight which will make roads icy and even more dangerous.

“Also, Kent Police reminds motorists not to use the hard shoulder on major roads as this prevents the emergency services from attending urgent incidents and can put lives at risk.”

Ch Supt Nix adds: “If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, please check that they are safe and well. We advise that you do not drive but give them a call or ask a neighbour to knock on their door.”

Roads are beginning to become clear after the heavy snowfalls overnight.

Police are advising motorists not to travel by car following significant snowfall in the county.

Snow and ice on the roads have caused road closures and dangerous driving conditions. With more snow and freezing temperatures forecast, motorists need to remain prepared for the next few days.

Chief Superintendent Matthew Nix said: “Driving conditions are hazardous so please do not travel unless your journey is absolutely necessary. The snow is heavy in Maidstone, Medway, Tunbridge Wells and in North Kent. Temperatures are forecast to fall below freezing tonight which will make roads icy and even more dangerous.

“Also, Kent Police reminds motorists not to use the hard shoulder on major roads as this prevents the emergency services from attending urgent incidents and can put lives at risk.”

Ch Supt Nix adds: “If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, please check that they are safe and well. We advise that you do not drive but give them a call or ask a neighbour to knock on their door.”

This is the latest road information as of 1.40 pm today:

  • Bluebell Hill - open in both directions (11:42)
  • Detling Hill (A249) - passable in both directions
  • Willington Street in Maidstone - closed
  • A228 - open
  • A274 (Sutton Valence Hill) - impassable
  • New Sheppey Crossing - closed
  • Old Sheppey Crossing - open
  • M2 – clear of incidents
  • Maidstone town centre - congested
  • Linton Hill Maidstone - passable
  • A20 Harrietsham - closed due to a jack knifed lorry
  • A21 - open but slow moving
  • Pembury to Blue Boys - passable.
  • A2 - partially closed at Watling Hill
  • M20 coastbound – severe congestion on Junctions 3-7
  • M20 Londonbound – free flowing
  • Capstone Road in Gillingham - blocked by a fallen tree
  • Grove Hill Road in Tunbridge Wells - closed both ways
  • The centre of Tunbridge Wells is flowing.
  • Hadlow Road, Junction with Seven Mile Road - open (as of 10:55)
  • A26 – open
  • Ashford Road, Hollingbourne - two lorries are causing an obstruction but it is passable with caution

Eurotunnel
Eurotunnel advises Day Trip customers NOT to travel today due to weather conditions on both sides of the Channel.

The call centre is currently handling a high number of calls and it is advisable to call later if you wish to amend your travel plans. The telephone number is 08443 35 35 35

For the latest passenger travel information (24 hour pre-recorded message) call 08444 63 00 00

Eurotunnel
Eurotunnel advises Day Trip customers NOT to travel today due to weather conditions on both sides of the Channel.

The call centre is currently handling a high number of calls and it is advisable to call later if you wish to amend your travel plans. The telephone number is 08443 35 35 35

For the latest passenger travel information (24 hour pre-recorded message) call 08444 63 00 00


Motorists can help reduce the risk of problems by keeping up-to-date with the weather forecast and road conditions before setting off on a journey.

The advice from Kent Police is:

Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you travel
Make sure you have full visibility before driving, taking time to de-mist and de-ice all windows
Poor weather conditions mean it can be harder for drivers to see, so use your lights
When the roads are wet and icy it can take twice as long to stop your vehicle, so slow down
In poor visibility be extra alert for hazards
Carry warm waterproof clothing, food, water and a torch in your vehicle in case weather conditions mean you have to stop
Make sure you have plenty of fuel for your journey before you set off
Pedestrians and cyclists, so be vigilant and make sure you can be seen however you are travelling this includes using lights or wearing high visibility clothing

For information about road conditions on motorways and trunk roads, check the Highway Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk

For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website at www.metoffice.gov.uk

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