Drivers stranded for hours as snow blocks major A-roads

<img src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/n_qn54ZypsjaSUL2VSPc5Q–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_northern_echo_uk_642/7a1ccf7aae72e106336d2a06b8cb84c6&quot; alt="Some vehicles travelling on major A-roads found themselves stranded for several hours – due to adverse weather conditions. <i>(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Heavy snow is causing chaos on roads in parts of northern England with many routes blocked.

Some vehicles travelling on major A-roads found themselves stranded for several hours – due to adverse weather conditions.

Parts of the A66 in Durham and the A628 Woodhead Pass in South Yorkshire were closed overnight due to heavy snow.

National Highways, the Government-owned organisation responsible for England’s motorways and major A roads, told motorists: “We are currently experiencing very high call volumes to our call centre, so you may encounter a delay if trying to get through to us.”

The organisation’s executive director of operations, Duncan Smith, said: “We are well prepared and our gritters have been out in full force since Friday March 3 and will continue to treat the roads.

“We are asking drivers to plan ahead, check the forecast and allow more time for their journeys.”

Salt spread by gritters does not stop snow from settling on road surfaces, but it does make it easier to remove with snowploughs.