Travel Suggestions Blog

Snow Causes Traffic Chaos Across Britain

Severe weather in the UK has completely disrupted transport systems with many cancellations of trains, buses and flights. And met office forecasters have warned that more heavy snow is set to hit the British shores from Russia as the UK suffers its most severe winter for 13 years.

Met office forecasters have warned that snowstorms from Russia, currently brewing over the north sea, will bring even more freezing temperatures, biting winds and even more heavy snow. While the weather may improve for a while, forecasters are warning that more heavy snow can be expected this week.

The Automobile Association have warned people telling them that their cars should not be thought of as an overcoat. If they break down or if the road ahead is blocked they will need to leave their vehicles and must make certain that they are wearing appropriate cold weather clothing, else they will risk hypothermia.

London and the Southeast of England have experienced the heaviest snow falls in the region for 20 years. The severe weather forced London mayor, Boris Johnson, to shut down the whole of the London bus network. Disruption to public transport has led many people to work from home and lots of schools are still closed.

The worst snowstorm to hit London for 20 years has resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton. One of Heathrow airport’s runways was closed resulting in more than 650 flight cancellations. The outlook for travellers this week is continuing to look uncertain as forecasters predict even more snow storms.

The cancellation of many trains and buses is resulting in lots of people attempting to get to the airports by car. Freezing conditions are making driving dangerous, particularly in many outlying districts where roads have not been treated. There are many abandoned cars, buses and trucks on the roads, some blocking carriageways.

Anyone who is expecting to fly from Heathrow or Gatwick is advised to contact the airport before setting off. And if you are planning to take your car to the airport be sure to pre-book your Heathrow parking or Gatwick parking space in advance to be certain of a place.

The current advice is: ‘if your journey isn’t vital, stay at home’.