SPEED restrictions were put on First Capital Connect (FCC) trains travelling south of Hitchin because of the snowy and icy conditions. FCC has imposed a speed limit of between 60 and 75mph when trains normally travel over this stretch of line at 90mph. FC

Hertfordshire Highways has been working hard to keep the main roads through the county clear.SPEED restrictions were put on First Capital Connect (FCC) trains travelling south of Hitchin because of the snowy and icy conditions.

FCC has imposed a speed limit of between 60 and 75mph when trains normally travel over this stretch of line at 90mph.

FCC says an emergency timetable is also in place to cope with the heavy snow and there is a reduction in all services linking King's Cross and trains are subject to delays and cancellations.

Despite the atrocious conditions Mid Beds District Council's (MBDC) waste and recycling collection vehicles are out on their rounds.

People are being urged to make sure their appropriate waste and recycling bins are out as normal to ensure collection. Some smaller roads may not be accessible but the council says waste and recycling bins from those areas will be collected once the weather improves later in the week.

Steve Whittaker, MBDC's contract services manager, said: "Our vehicles went out on the road at 7am and we are collecting from as many properties as we can today and tomorrow.

"Some smaller roads may be difficult to get to but we will catch up with these as soon as the weather clears. Householders should put out their waste as normal."

Hertfordshire Highways has been working hard to keep the main roads through the county clear.

Its gritting team went out four times overnight and will continue to grit and clear the roads as further snow showers persist today and tonight.

"We have been ploughing continuously since the first major snowfalls overnight, and have mobilised assistance from the district councils and (in rural areas) from farmers and contractors so that the maximum available resources are at work," said a spokesman.

"However, we cannot get to all roads straight away. As well as dealing with our standard network of main roads, we are working very closely with the police to identify and deal with local blockages in priority order. With more snow forecast, we will continue to adapt our response to the conditions."

"Thanks to the hard work of Hertfordshire Highways, most A and B roads around the county are passable with care," said executive member for highways, transport and rural affairs, Stuart Pile. "However, with more snow likely, please consider whether your journey is necessary. If you must travel, please stick to main roads as these are more likely to have been salted.

* Heavy snow has caused the withdrawal of the E7 (J and D) bus service between Shefford, Letchworth GC and Baldock this afternoon.