Snow Chaos In Gloucestershire

More than 300 schools and colleges are closed in Gloucestershire after heavy snow.

Drivers are also being told to only travel if they have too, with many roads hazardous and some closed by jack-knifed lorries.

Police closure are currently in place at the following locations: 

A419 Cowcombe Hill 

A419 Little Witcombe (Birdlip)

A48 Arlington 

A435 Cirencester to Cheltenham 

A435 Charlton Kings to Seven Springs 

Unclassified Road - Toadsmoor Hill, Brimscombe 

Unclassified Road - Nailsworth to Minchampton Parliament Street, Stroud 

There are also hazardous conditions on some roads and drivers are advised to avoid these areas: 

A4151 Littledean Cinderford 

A429 Fossebridge 

A436 Birdlip to Seven Springs 

A417 Birdlip Hill B4362 Cleeve Hill

Traffic information can also be found on the Highways Agency website here: http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/

Before you drive think whether their journey is really necessary but if you must travel follow these simple tips to safeguard yourself and other road users:

Check that your car is up to the journey, tyres are correctly inflated and in good condition, and that your lights are clean and working properly.

Ensure anti-freeze has been added to the radiator & that screen wash is of sufficient concentration.

Tell a friend or relative where you are going.

Take a spade, flask of hot drink, torch, mobile phone (fully charged or with charger), blanket and appropriate outdoor clothing.

Slow down on icy or snowy roads and leave a greater distance between you and the car in front.

Check your route with such organisations as RAC Travel and AA Road-watch, and tune into local radio before you set out.

If you get stuck in an isolated area, stay with your vehicle and remember that the engine should not be left running in deep snow, as there is a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Use your mobile phone if you need to access the emergency services for help.

Gloucestershire's Hospitals have issued the following advice:

Outpatient Appointments
Outpatient appointments at Cheltenham General and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital will continue to take place this morning (Friday January 18th).
Oncology appointments and the hospitals’ fracture clinics will continue to run all day.
This afternoon (Friday January 18th) all outpatient appointments except Oncology and Fracture Clinic, have been cancelled
 
Planned (Elective) Surgery
If you are expecting to come to Cheltenham General or Gloucestershire Royal Hospitals for planned (elective) surgery today (Friday January 18th ), please assume that this will go ahead unless you are contacted by the hospital.
 
Treatment at the Weekend (January 19th and 20th)
Patients who are expecting to come to hospital for any planned treatment this weekend should attend as planned, unless you receive a phone call from the hospital to say otherwise.
 
Leaving Hospital
If you are expecting to collect a family member or friend from hospital today or during the weekend, please do try to get to the hospital as planned, this is of great help at a time when we may need more beds than usual.
 
Keep the Emergency Department for Emergencies
During this period of adverse weather, we are appealing for everyone to take special care on slippery services and only attend our Emergency Departments in an emergency, this will help us to provide the best possible care for all patients. Thank you.
 

University of Gloucestershire are running an out of hours service from 3.15pm. More information at www.glos.ac.uk
 

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