19/12/10……Snow update – Clear your path says council – UP-DATED 13:30 hrs)

OXFORDSHIRE County Council is asking people to help the situation by clearing their area of pavement. They say: “We encourage people to clear snow from around their home and from their path. The government has stated that there is no law to stop people doing this.”

Arriva 280 buses all returned to station yesterday at 2pm apparently, no information available from them on their website or phone number given on website. If anyone has any information, please email: editor@thamenews.net

Chiltern Rail running emergency timetable. Details on their website: http://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/news/severe-weather-travel-information-and-emergency-timetable (reload page for up-to-date info)

STAT AT HOME SAY POLICE

THAMES VALLEY POLICE is urging motorists to stay at home today and to only go out in their cars if their journey is essential.

Ch Insp Gill Wootton of Thames Valley Police Roads Policing Department, said: “Although the snow has stopped the roads are still unsafe due to the freezing weather conditions.

“We are still experiencing problems on the A34 and have been working throughout the night, assisting the Highways Agency in an attempt to get the vehicles moving.

“Traffic on the A34 is now moving slowly but there are still severe tail backs on the A34 and we urge people to avoid the area.”

Before setting out, drivers are being asked to check the road conditions and ask themselves whether their journey is absolutely necessary. If they feel they have to travel, they are asked to heed the following advice:

?Prepare yourself for the journey: check road conditions, plan your journey before setting out and leave extra time for the journey if travel conditions are poor. Use major roads where possible.

?Pack warm clothes and blankets, boots, food, drinks, a fully-charged mobile phone, a torch, jump leads, tow rope, first aid kit, warning triangle, de-icer and a shovel. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to arrive.

?Prepare your vehicle for your journey ? make sure your vehicle is well maintained, that all lights are clean and bulbs are working, that it is clear of snow and ice (particularly the windscreen) and that your tyres are at the correct pressure and depth tread. Use antifreeze and screen wash and ensure the battery is reliable.

?Drive safely, even where roads have been treated. Even if there is no snow, driving conditions are expected to be difficult, with black ice likely.

?Keep your distance from the vehicle in front, avoid hard braking or acceleration and steer gently. Avoid wheel spins by using low revs and the highest gear possible. If you skid, ease off the accelerator, and try and avoid braking hard.

?If you get stuck in the snow, an old rug or mat under a slipping wheel should provide traction to help get you out.

Drivers are urged not to abandon their vehicles, especially where they may obstruct emergency service vehicles and major roads or motorways. If they do, the vehicles may have to be removed and it will be the driver?s responsibility to pay for the cost of recovering them.

To find out which roads are being treated, please refer to your local authority?s website. However, drivers are urged to drive with care, even on those roads that have been treated.

Up-to-date information on road conditions on England’s motorways and trunk roads is available on the Highways Agency website or by calling 0300 123 5000. For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website or listen to local radio.

Residents are being reminded to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may be in need of assistance, whether it?s by clearing a safe pathway or helping to keep them warm.

There is no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice from the pavement outside your home, as long as you clear it carefully. Use salt or sand, rather than water, which is likely to refreeze and turn to black ice. Don?t use salt from salting bins- this will be needed to keep the roads clear. When you?re shovelling snow, take care to put it where it won?t block people?s paths or drains. For more guidance on clearing paths yourself, consult the Directgov website.

The public are reminded that emergency calls for ambulance, police and fire services should be made in genuine emergency situations only.

If you are feeling poorly, choosing the right NHS service to help you get well. The NHS is giving the following advice:

?If your GP surgery is closed, you can call the Out of Hours Service on 0845 345 8995 and get advice or a doctor may call you.

?If you do have to make journeys out please make sure that you have appropriate clothing and footwear to help prevent unnecessary slips, trips or falls.

?If you are unfortunate and do slip or trip remember minor injuries units may be the best and fastest place to go for treatment.

More information can be found at NHS Direct