Essex: Snow Causes Disruption

5 February 2012, 13:00

The heavy snow has caused problems on the roads and rails and flights have been disrupted at Stansted Airport.

Essex Police are warning people not to take to the roads unless they have to with the heavy downfall of snow making driving conditions very difficult. 

The A12 at Brentwood was shut off in both directions on Sunday morning after a lorry hit the central reservation and oil was spilt onto the carriageway. 

There has also been disruption to flights at Stansted with delays of around an hour. People taking flights are being asked to check with the operator before setting off on their journey. 

East of England Ambulance Service also reported a rise in call out getting more than 1,200 last night, which is around 300 more than an average weekend night.

The service have said they are also having some difficulty getting ambulances to people and and are asking if possible for friends or relatives of the patient to try and make sure the road near where they are needed is clear. 

Paul Henry from the service said: "Clearly we want people to avoid going out unless absolutely necessary as it reduces risk of illness and accident, but of course people will want to go out and enjoy the snowy conditions as well.