Scott Hamilton

WEATHER | A joint statement from Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon County Council Highways: Today’s wintry showers have caused significant travel disruption in parts of Devon and Cornwall this afternoon and into this evening. Resources were out from midday to grit roads, including areas where snow was forecast. Snow arrived in the region earlier than forecast, which lead to higher accumulations. As a result it was not possible to subsequently pre-deploy the resources to vulnerable locations as had originally been planned. Whilst responding, minor incidents occurred which blocked traffic and resulted in snow ploughs being stuck in the resulting queues. Additional resources were sent immediately. Officers and staff and Highways colleagues have been working relentlessly to get things moving. Gritters have continued to treat routes as some areas, including Telegraph Hill, Whiddon Down and Dartmoor have seen significant amounts of snow. Traffic on Telegraph Hill (A380) was at a standstill before the peak travel time this afternoon. With the A380/A38 closed southbound and westbound at Splatford Split earlier today as well as the A380 being closed northbound, Devon County Council, National Highways and Police targeted extra resources in the area. We are aware of some motorists being stationary for long periods of time and partners have been working to keep people safe and also get traffic moving as soon as possible. The majority of traffic is now moving. Efforts to clear the routes had been hampered by fallen trees and broken down vehicles. Ploughs have been fitted to gritters and will work around the clock tonight and into tomorrow morning. Road surface temperatures are reducing further tonight, with some areas almost reaching -5C, and the prolonged freeze this evening and into tomorrow morning will leave icy patches. Motorists are reminded to check the Met Office for warnings and carefully consider travel plans.