Police warn drivers not to venture out as roads aren’t gritted or ploughed

Police in Swindon and north Wiltshire are warning residents not to venture out in their vehicles today, following unexpected heavy overnight.

Thamesdown Drive is partially closed in both directions near Abbey Meads and the A419 in the Blunsdon area is closed with 30 vehicles stranded on the hill.

That’s not to mention most other main roads in Swindon – bar Queens Drive, the Magic Roundabout and Fleming Way, all of which are flowing well.

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Generally, motorists should avoid lesser used roads and roads with slopes.

It’s becoming apparent that Swindon’s roads have not been gritted or ploughed.

Superintendent Conway Duncan said: “The snow has currently hit the north of the county – it appears to be north of Lyneham where the worst has fallen, however, we are expecting more to fall in the north and centrally later this morning/today.

“We are working closely with our partner agencies to ensure that there are sufficient resources but our best advice is to avoid any unnecessary journeys if at all possible.

“We are seeing a number of collisions at junctions in particular where people are trying to stop as if the conditions are dry. My advice is, when the roads are wet and icy, it can take twice as long to stop your vehicle so slow down and plan well ahead of a junction so you start slowing down well before you get to the junction; please remember your vehicle will take much longer to stop in these conditions.

“If you have to travel there are measures that all road users can take to help reduce any risks.”

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