Forecasters warned that Britain would continue to shiver in icy conditions for at least another week as the country's transport networks struggle to overcome the Arctic freeze.

Temperatures plummeted to as low as -10C in the South East of England overnight, bringing an end to a week of major commuter disruption, school closures and tragedy.

Two teenage girls were killed in a road crash in Cumbria, with police claiming that treacherous road conditions appeared to be a factor in the collision. Two pensioners also died after falling in their gardens in sub-zero temperatures while a motorist who stopped to help a stranded driver died after he was struck by another vehicle.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond yesterday summoned Government chiefs for an hour-long emergency weather meeting to "stocktake" and discuss preparations for the weekend.

Though the worst of the snow has fallen, temperatures remain low for the time of year and rain is set to make Britain's frozen roads and pavements even more dangerous.

"The problem is the ground temperature is lower than the air temperature so makes thawing difficult," said Aisling Creevey, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, the Press Association's weather division. "It's going to be really cold into the next ten days."

England and Wales are predicted to have some respite from the snow today as rain showers move in bringing temperatures up to 7C in some areas.

But that is not expected to be enough to melt the ice, which is expected to be worsened by rain freezing on top.

Surrey Police said the anti-clockwise section of the M25 at Clacket Lane services was closed after an articulated lorry collided with a passenger coach. It is not known if the weather conditions contributed to the accident at 2am on Saturday.

Rail services were still struggling to find their feet after the bitter weather caused widespread disruptions and cancellations.

Line operators East Coast, Southern, first Great Western, South West, South Eastern, and First TransPennine Express were still experiencing delays, while Eurostar said it would be operating a reduced timetable until tomorrow.

Major airports were also operating although many were experiencing flight delays.