TRAFFIC on roads in Comet country was very light this morning as drivers either found alternative means of travel or stayed at home. The snow doesn t seem to be causing any major issues, said a Herts Police spokesman. There was a report of a van skiddin

TRAFFIC on roads in Comet country was very light this morning as drivers either found alternative means of travel or stayed at home.

"The snow doesn't seem to be causing any major issues," said a Herts Police spokesman.

There was a report of a van skidding off the A505 Baldock bypass at 8.09am but the driver was not hurt.

A quick search of police logs at 9.30am did not reveal reports of any traffic collisions.

Police have advised:

* Avoid non-essential journeys and only drive in heavy snow conditions if you really have to.

* If you have to travel you should reduce speeds, allow extra time for your journey and leave a greater distance between you and the car in front.

* Motorists should also ensure windows and lights are clean and free from snow cover before they set off.

* You should ensure that you have warm weather proof clothing with you, as well as food and drink and, ideally, a shovel.

* During the period of adverse weather the demand on the emergency services understandably increases and people are asked to avoid contacting the police unless it is an emergency.

Some parts of Stevenage were left without a visit from their postman after the weather caused come interruption to the Royal Mail’s service.

A spokesman for the company said: “I can confirm that there was some significant disruption with delivering mail in the Stevenage area due to the treacherous weather conditions.

“This was due to the snow and ice on the roads. Because of this many members of staff were unable to go safely on their rounds though a small number of staff could deliver their mail.”

The spokesman said there were disruptions around North Hertfordshire and Mid Bedfordshire and they were dealing with this case by case.

“We would apologise to some of our customers but the conditions did cause a danger to our staff and all the mail should be cleared by tomorrow,” the spokesman said.

Hertfordshire Highway's 59 gritters have been out across the county more or less continuously since 3am. They have carried out three full runs overnight and used snow ploughs on the last run. Farmers have also been alerted to clear some rural roads with snow ploughs.

County Councillor Stuart Pile, executive member for highways, transport and rural affairs, said: "We are doing all we can to ensure the roads are as safe as possible, but motorists need to be particularly careful.

"There are some basic steps that everyone can take to keep themselves safe and comfortable - keep essential items like boots, blankets and a shovel in your car, you never know when you might need them.

"Driving conditions will inevitably be more difficult in bad weather and drivers should take extra care. In extreme conditions, only drive if you really have to."

Hertfordshire Highways salt the county's A and B roads, all bus routes, at least one road in and out of villages, industrial areas and shopping centres. Around 300 tonnes of salt is used on each outing but in extreme weather conditions, up to 2,000 tonnes a day could be spread on the county's roads.

For more information about exactly which roads are gritted in Hertfordshire, visit www.hertsdirect.org/salting