Herts Police is urging drivers not to ignore road closure signs after reports of motorists getting stuck on roads that have been closed for safety reasons.
A police spokesman said: “Police in Hertfordshire are issuing the following advice in light of the on-going extreme weather and difficult road conditions which are anticipated to extend through to Monday, December 11.
“Weather forecasts anticipate freezing road conditions overnight which, despite extensive gritting of the county’s roads, will still make driving potentially hazardous.
“Hertfordshire County Council’s gritters and snow ploughs have been out several times overnight and this morning and have spread more than 1,000 tonnes of salt across the county’s roads since midnight.
“However the salt won’t melt snow or ice instantly and treated roads can still be dangerous.
“Police and Hertfordshire Highways would like to thank the vast majority of motorist who have driven sensibly in the prevailing conditions.”
Herts Police has issued the following advice:
•Avoid non-essential journeys and only drive in heavy snow or icy conditions if you really have to.
•At evening and morning peak commuting times employers and individuals should considering staggering their journeys.
•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 or ice 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 and torch.
The police spokesman added: “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.
“Please consider using our range of online reporting options when contacting us about a non-emergency https://www.herts.police.uk/Report”
The East of England Ambulance Service is also receiving a high number of calls from people who have suffered falls or trips and is urging people to “take care if going out to enjoy the snow”.
The ambulance service tweeted: “Avoid driving if possible.”
Herts Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to contact Herts County Council about fallen trees that are not causing any immediate danger.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here