EMERGENCY services have declared a "major incident" after snows left drivers stranded overnight. 

Motorists on the A346 near Chiseldon and the A303 at Mere were stuck in the cars. 

On the A436, police said 5ft high snowdrifts had waylaid cars and lorries. Those stranded on the Swindon to Marlborough road were taken to Chiseldon Village Hall by 999 crews - with volunteers from the British Red Cross supporting the emergency services.

Wiltshire Police said that officers had been "extremely busy" throughout the morning, attending calls about jack-knifed lorries and abandoned vehicles.

Emergency services earlier declared a "major incident", after motorists became stranded on the A303.

The road - in the south of the county - is currently closed eastbound at Mere, however traffic on the rest of the A303 is now moving thanks to the assistance of Wiltshire Council.

Police urged motorists not to travel. Superintendent Phil Staynings said: “We are urging people not to travel unless is it absolutely crucial you do so.

"If you have to go out, please make sure you leave plenty of time, take necessary supplies and always let someone know where you are going and how long you expect to be.

"We are doing all that we can to ensure the safety of residents in Wiltshire and as you can imagine, our officers and call handlers, are currently extremely busy.

“With these severe weather conditions, it’s also really important to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours to make sure they are ok.

“Keep up to date with our social media and website for road closures throughout the day.”

A spokesman for Wiltshire Council added: "We cannot stress enough that people should not attempt to drive today.

"Do not travel unless absolutely critical as emergency services are working hard to rescue people who are trapped in their vehicles.

"Stay at home, keep warm and check on vulnerable neighbours.

"We are gritting roads, but are concentrating our resources on the strategic routes in the county."

A spokesman for South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said: “All of our staff and volunteers are working extremely hard during the severe weather we are experiencing across the south west with many going above and beyond the call of duty to keep our patients safe.

"The weather has caused an extra strain on all emergency services but we are well prepared and have plans in place to deal with the extra demand. So far this week the 999 ambulance service has dealt with more than 10,000 incidents and that number will continue to rise as we head in to the weekend."

Gus Cuthbert, area manager for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We would encourage anyone using additional or alternative heating sources during this period of cold weather to ensure they are fit for purpose and safe.

"Due to the weather conditions it might take our crews longer to reach you, so it is vitally important that the public stay safe as well as staying warm.”

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