Drivers stranded again as new snowfall hits

A 64-mile stretch of the A30 in Devon and Cornwall was closed for several hours  by further bad weather overnight, stranding scores of drivers.

The BBC reported that around 80 people, including a couple on their wedding night, sought refuge at an emergency rest centre set up in a college in Okehampton near the A30.

Our newly weds, John & Sara who spent their wedding night at Okehampton Rest Centre.. Pretty unique way of spending your first night.. pic.twitter.com/UKNCdG5Ksf

— Richard White (@Sectorleadrich) March 19, 2018

As a new blast of cold weather from the East hit Britain, over 20cm of snow was recorded in central and southern England.

After Highways England worked to clear snow and lay grit on the A30, the road reopened early on Monday morning. However, both Highways England and Devon and Cornwall police warned that bad weather would make driving hazardous into Monday morning.

Devon and Cornwall police said that ‘road traffic accidents’ were ‘starting to be reported to us by those insisting on driving this morning’, despite advice to drivers to delay their journeys.

The road to Princetown from Dousland is closed!
Just spent 90 minutes digging ourselves out of a snowdrift. If a Defender can get stuck, a hatchback hasn’t got a chance!
????#Princetown #Snow #Dartmoor pic.twitter.com/FCiXo7ofsF

— Tavistock Police (@TavistockPolice) March 19, 2018

Registration is now open for the 27th Annual Cold Comfort conference and exhibition. The annual winter maintenance event takes place on 16th and 17th May at the Ricoh Arena Coventry.