TREACHEROUS road conditions will continue across Oxfordshire for the rest of the week, with the cold snap showing no sign of ending.

With temperatures not expected to get much above freezing, and easterly winds making it feel even colder, the snow will only thaw slowly.

More snow is also expected at times tomorrow and on Wednesday, with motorists being warned to remain vigilant and to avoid unnecessary journeys.

Met Office spokesman Dave Britton said: “This morning there’s a potential for a few more flurries of snow, or some sleet or rain, but nothing as significant as what you will have seen on Friday.

“It’s going to be very cold, so the snow and ice on the ground is going to stay for several days.”

Oxfordshire County Council gritters were out again last night laying salt to prevent ice forming on roads. AA spokesman Luke Bosdet said the risks of snow had been well advertised, and that motorists had had a weekend to get into the “winter mindset”, but said care was still needed.

He said: “The key points are moderate your speed and keep your distance from the person in front of you.”

Over the weekend, events were cancelled and the number of calls to emergency services shot up, with more than 450 extra calls to the ambulance service on Saturday alone.

Drivers on the M40 faced delays after a collision involving an Army lorry, a coach and two cars at 6.45am on Saturday. Two lanes were closed for several hours after the smash, in which two people suffered minor injuries.

And a minibus had to be pulled out of a ditch between the A40 and a slip road at the Ducklington Lane interchange in Witney after it left the road.

Trains suffered some minor delays due to the weather, while several bus routes were altered due to snow on side roads.

 

 

Hitting the slopes in Chipping Norton

THRILL-SEEKERS were out in force over the weekend, enjoying the snow while it was still fresh.
Chipping Norton proved a popular destination, where snow in Oxfordshire’s highest town was compacted by residents of The Leys to create the perfect sledging slope, right.
The nearby recreation ground also provided a venue for snowboarders, including Terence Goad, 40, from Oxford, above.
Mr Goad said: “It’s just a 20 to 30 metre run, so it’s not the Alps, but it’s something to get you out and about and it’s a good excuse to do something before you go to the pub.
“I live in Oxford but I used to live in Chippy, so I know it’s quite good for snowboarding. I wasn’t the only one doing it. There were a few others, including a few kids.”
A gritting lorry which turned up to lay salt down The Leys to melt the snow and ice was turned away by residents, who wanted their sledging slope to remain intact.
Pictures: Mark Hemsworth