DRIVERS criticised Swindon Council today after claims that main roads were not gritted properly following more heavy snow last night.
One mum who was stuck on Drove Road with a sick child in the back seat of her car complained that she expected the council to have ensured a safe trip, especially on a Swindon’s steepest hills.
Others complained they were stuck on the road for up to an hour.
One driver said: "It took me one and a half hours to do a 20 minute journey this morning, from Haydon End next to Asda Walmart into Old Town. Thamesdown Drive was at a bumper to bumper standstill in both directions, mainly caused, I believe, by ungritted roads, such as Thames Avenue."
Another woman said: “The roads aren’t gritted at all, it is going to be extremely icy and dangerous tomorrow morning its not fair - we pay our taxes.”
The council said it had gritted the roads but they needed cars on them to drive on them to move the grit around so it covered the entire road surface.
Half a dozen cars were abandoned on the A436 near Marlborough Golf Club because of ice and at 11pm yesterday 30 vehicles were stuck on roads around Savernake Forest near Marlborough. Police diverted all traffic from the area.
The A419 is slippery with patches of black ice, particularly on the flyover. Roads between Stratton and Highworth and between Swindon and Faringdon are also treacherous.
An accident on the A420, near Longcot, led to queues right into Swindon
Stagecoach and Thamesdown said all bus services were running, although the Number 55 to Chippenham is delayed due to the icy condition of the roads. Passengers are warned there may be some delays and are asked to be patient.
More sleet and snow is expected tonight and tomorrow night with temperatures falling to minus 1C. Forecasters say as much as 10cm (4in) could fall overnight tonight.
What do you think of the state of the roads? Were they gritted near you? Has the council done enough? Let us know - call us on 01793 501806 or email the newsdesk.
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