Police tell drivers to only travel if absolutely necessary

(Last Updated On: March 18, 2018)

Devon and Cornwall police are advising drivers to only travel if absolutely necessary due to the weather conditions.

Devon has an amber weather warning for snow. Heavy snow has made road conditions dangerous.

Main routes are open as police and partner agencies work together to keep people safe. Gritting and ploughing continues around the region.

Temperatures will remain low on Monday and driving conditions remain treacherous in places due to ice and snow.

Further snow expected into the early hours of Monday. Police and partner agencies continue to work hard to keep roads open and people safe. Drivers are warned to expect snow and icy conditions on morning commute. Only travel if you have to and leave extra time for your journey. https://t.co/aXEm04kRpn

— DevonCornwall Police (@DC_Police) March 18, 2018

Police are urging drivers to heed the weather warnings and the advice not to travel this evening or Monday morning unless absolutely necessary.

A number of vehicles have been abandoned around the area.

SNOW Abandoned vehicles littering #Torbay bypass and conditions starting to get bad again #HeartNews beastfromtheast2 pic.twitter.com/tDxF4ljIH1

— Heart Devon News (@HeartDevonNews) March 18, 2018

If you do need to drive please ensure you plan ahead, take extra care and allow more time for your journey.

A police spokesman said: “We are concerned about rush hour traffic tomorrow and would advise the public to drive to the conditions of the road, slow down, keep your distance, and keep an eye on weather reports before you set off.

“If you have to travel, carry additional warm clothing/footwear, food, drink, a charged mobile phone, and ensure your vehicle has a full tank of fuel.”

A spokesperson for Torquay police said on Facebook: “Since midnight last night, we have had 25 Road traffic Collisions across South Devon.

“Our advice has been ESSENTIAL journeys only during this period of adverse weather, it appears many people have not taken this advice.

“Collisions have involved what many would think are appropriate vehicles for the conditions such as 4×4’s so it goes to show just how dangerous the conditions are.

“Please avoiding driving anywhere unless absolutely essential. We don’t think we need to tell you what essential might be but it certainly isn’t popping to the shops or venturing out to see just how slippery the roads are.

“RTC’s are highly resource intensive at the best of times, let alone when we struggle to get on the road ourselves.

“Please be sensible and stay safe. Thank you.”