MOTORISTS are being warned not to travel unless it is absolutely essential today as icy conditions and snow continue to blight parts of Oxfordshire.

Freezing temperatures look set to continue for most of today, according to the Met Office.

Weather experts have predicted fog will clear at lunchtime, making way for clear skies.

Conditions are expected to improve later this week, with sunny spells and light rain showers expected from tomorrow.

On the trains, the 6.48am service from London Paddington to Great Malvern is now due to depart at 9.31am and will no longer call at Tilehurst, Pangbourne, Goring and Streatley, Cholsey and Didcot Parkway.

The delayed 7.15am service from London Paddington to Cardiff Central has been cancelled, and the 7.30am London Paddington to Penzance train will now depart at 1.16pm — calling additionally at Didcot Parkway.

On the buses, Thames Travel is running all its Oxfordshire services, however the route between Twyford and Wokingham is cancelled due to icy conditions.

Services run by Stagecoach Oxford are delayed by snow and ice.

Route S2 is subject to delays due to an accident on the A40 near Cassington.

Route S3 is unable to serve the Cornish Road estate and route S5 is running to all locations, but with some delays.

Route 215 is not running.

Route 233 is unable to serve The Sands in Milton-under-Wychwood and route 488/489 is unable to serve Cornish Road.

Route B8 is unable to serve Sinclair Avenue, Longelands Way, Austin Drive and Daimler Avenue.

A reduced service is running on the Oxford Tube at 8.50am and 9.10am from Oxford but the normal timetable will resume aftert those departures from Oxford.

Departures from London will run to a reduced timetable until about 10am.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: “Unless it is absolutely essential you are strongly advised not to travel.”

He also urged people not to abandon vehicles on the road, which prevents emergency services and road gritters from getting through.