Issued in association with Thames Valley Police

22 December 2009

The emergency services in Thames Valley have been working hard throughout the night and this morning to deal with problems resulting from snow and ice.

Berkshire and southern Buckinghamshire have been particularly hard-hit by the weather. Key messages for the public intending to travel to, or in, these areas are:

• Unless it is absolutely essential you are strongly advised not to travel.
  
  
• Do not abandon your vehicles on the highway. This prevents emergency services and gritting vehicles getting through.
  
  
• If you must travel, follow the advice from the Highways Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk
  
  
• If you have abandoned your vehicle on a motorway or in a potentially hazardous location on a road in the Thames Valley area, contact Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505.
  
  
• Emergency calls for police, fire and ambulance services should be made in genuine emergency situations only.
  
  
• If you feel unwell, make use of NHS Direct by ringing 0845 4647 or visiting www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
  
  
• Only call an ambulance if advised to do so.
  
  
• Check on the welfare elderly and vulnerable neighbours and offer them help and support where it is required.
  
  
• Tune into local media broadcasts for updates on the situation and what facilities may be available for stranded or vulnerable people.