By Hayley Robinson

The extreme weather conditions have caused severe traffic problems across Sittingbourne and Mid Kent over the past 24 hours.

Three cars - a Vauxhall Corsa, a Renault Megane and a Renault Clio, were involved in a road traffic collision on the A2 at Key Street, Sittingbourne, just before 3pm yesterday (Wednesday). Fortunately only minor injuries were reported.

Then at 3.45pm police patrols rescued a woman driver who was trapped in her Ford KA after it slid onto its side on the A2 near the Norton crossroads. The woman was not injured in the collision but the incident caused tailbacks on the A2 through Teynham.

There was further congestion when the snow started to fall in the Mid Kent area at about 5pm. It soon led to severe congestion in all the main towns as vehicles struggled to cope with even the smallest of hills.

Within the hour Kent Police were receiving calls about lorries getting stuck on the Sheppey Crossing and at 6.20pm a decision was made to close it. The Kingsferry Bridge remained open but traffic was said to be moving very slowly.

By 8pm traffic in Blue Bell Hill was moving but with cars travelling at only 2mph there were long tailbacks into Maidstone.

Detling Hill was closed to allow gritters to grit the Sittingbourne-bound carriageway.

The problems on Blue Bell Hill and Detling Hill resulted in severe congestion on the surrounding motorway network and local roads in Swale and Maidstone were barely passable.

Overnight temperatures dropped to –5 degrees Celsius in places thus causing treacherous conditions this morning, especially on minor roads in both rural and residential areas that had not been gritted.

Gritters and snowploughs worked steadily to ensure that Blue Bell Hill and Detling Hill were open for the morning rush hour.

Insp Evan Jones, of the Sittingbourne Neighbourhood Team, said: “At 6am this morning there were numerous abandoned vehicles on both Blue Bell and Detling Hills.

“Other roads in Maidstone and Swale were passable with extreme care, however we would urge people to only travel if absolutely necessary.

“Officers have made super-human efforts to get to work this morning despite the snow. In Swale they either walked to work or left home especially early to ensure that they arrived on time.”

A dedicated phone line for the public to call for the latest updates on road closures has been set up. The number to call is 01622 654321. The line will be updated regularly.

Motorists can help reduce the risk of problems by keeping up-to-date with the weather forecast and road conditions before setting off on a journey.

The advice from Kent Police is:

Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you travel

Make sure you have full visibility before driving, taking time to de-mist and de-ice all windows

Poor weather conditions mean it can be harder for drivers to see, so use your lights

When the roads are wet and icy it can take twice as long to stop your vehicle, so slow down

In poor visibility be extra alert for hazards

Carry warm waterproof clothing, food, water and a torch in your vehicle in case weather conditions mean you have to stop

Make sure you have plenty of fuel for your journey before you set off

Pedestrians and cyclists, be vigilant and make sure you can be seen however you are travelling this includes using lights or wearing high visibility clothing

For information about road conditions on motorways and trunk roads, check the Highway Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/

www.metoffice.gov.ukFor information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website at