Snow in Canterbury leads to train cancellations and drivers being told to avoid roads

Overnight Snow in Canterbury (5th February 2012) and across Kent has led to police advising

residents to avoid the roads if possible - while most of the trains to

and from the city are cancelled.

Southeastern are running a very limited service, with all routes currently experiencing many cancellations and delays.

You should be able to get up-to-date information at their website.

While Kent Police say most main routes are currently passable with care,

Vicarage Lane in Elham closed in both directions between the Pound Lane

junction and the Old Road junction, because of ice.

They have issued the following advice to motorists:

•     Listen to traffic updates before setting off. Heavy snow and

  freezing temperatures are expected to affect the county for the next few

  days, so please check the weather forecast and road conditions before

  you travel.

•     If you do have to drive in bad weather, make sure you have

  enough fuel for your journey and carry warm waterproof clothing, a

  blanket, spade, food, water and a torch in your vehicle in case you

  break down or get stuck.

•      Allow time to prepare your car for the journey. Make sure you

  can see clearly before setting off.  De-ice your windows and remove

  snow from the windows and from the roof of your vehicle to avoid snow

  slipping onto your windscreen.

•      Select second gear to pull away, easing your foot off the

  clutch gently to avoid wheel spin. If your car has an automatic gearbox,

  it may have a special button for snow and icy conditions - check your

  handbook to make sure.

•       Poor weather conditions mean it can be harder for drivers to

  see and it takes longer to stop, so use your lights and keep well back

  from the car in front.

•        In poor visibility be extra alert for hazards. It can take

  twice as long to stop your vehicle when the roads are icy, so slow down.

  Always apply the brakes gently, and release them and de-clutch if the

  car skids.

•        When driving downhill, choose a lower gear to reduce the

  need to use your brakes, and therefore reducing your chances of

  skidding.

•        If your vehicle gets stuck, straighten the steering wheel

  and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of

  the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again,

  try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.

•        Pedestrians and cyclists, be vigilant and make sure you can

  be seen however you are travelling - this includes using lights and

  wearing high visibility clothing

•        If you are forced to abandon your vehicle, try to ensure it is not causing an obstruction.