"Don't travel unless health would suffer if you didn't": Cumbria police chief

The warning comes as the adverse weather conditions look set to remain severe for at least the next 48 hours, with strong winds and freezing temperatures adding to the hazardous conditions.

And tonight the Dumfries and Galloway Virtual Operations Support Team is urging people not to travel with abandoned vehicles "littering" back roads around Annandale and Eskdale.

A statement on social media reads: "Road conditions are poor with the snow being blown from fields onto roads resulting in them being blocked by snow drifts - some are 12ft deep."

Superintendent Mark Pannone, Cumbria Constabulary, said: "This is not the normal snowfall Cumbria sees most years, it is making condition treacherous and I ask you not to drive unless your health, or the health of someone else, would suffer if you didn’t.

"We rarely say don’t drive and we hope that on this occasion people will take heed.

"The North and East of the county are currently worst hit, but the next 24 hours will be bad across the county."
He added: "Over the last 48 hours the police, mountain rescue, fire and rescue, councils and other partner agencies have been out working to keep the public safe.

"We have been dealing with a high level of weather related incidents including numerous road traffic collisions, many roads are hazardous, and so I state again, please do not drive unless you absolutely have to.

"This adverse weather is set to be with us for at least the next 48 hours and so I thank the people of Cumbria for their ongoing support, for sticking together and for showing community spirit."

The advice not to drive unless absolutely necessary comes as the second day of heavy snowfall impacts on much of the county, making driving conditions dangerous on many roads and impossible on some.

The road closures currently in place are at:

* A686 Hartside: Melmerby to Alston

* A592 Kirkstone Pass: full closure

* U4046 and C4028, Corney Fell Road: A595 Waberthwaite to A595 Duddon Bridge

* Cold Fell: full closure

* Birker Fell: full closure

* Hardknott Pass: full closure

* Newlands Pass: full closure

* Honister Pass: full closure

* Steel Brow, Frizington: full closure

* Dearham to Crosby Road: temporary full closure

There are also fresh reports this evening at the A69 is closed between Brampton and Low Row due to a jack-knifed lorry and the A66 between Kirkby Thore and Appleby due to drifting snow.

The A69, particularly between Brampton and Low Row, has seen a spate of road incidents today - many of more than 100 police have been called to throughout the day.

Around the county as it faces major disruption, councils, partner agencies and the police have, and will continue to, work into tomorrow to keep Cumbria safe and protect vulnerable people.

It includes support and shelter being given to the homeless, and rural communities like Alston being provided support and supplies from emergency services and partner agencies whilst connecting roads remain closed.

The public are being asked to be vigilant and keep up a community spirit: contact vulnerable friends, neighbours and relatives and make sure they have the correct medication, heating and supplies.

Police also say if there may be a problem, contact their care provider as soon as you are aware so timely provisions can be put in place.

Earlier today motorists were being urged not to travel after a number of accidents across Cumbria.

Police and county council highways departments called on drivers not to take to the roads as emergency services dealt with incidents across Cumbria.

In particular, they attended a spate of incidents on the A69 between Carlisle and Newcastle.

On Twitter this afternoon, Cumbria Roads Police say: "Please DO NOT travel unless you absolutely have to..our team in the North of Cumbria are reporting extreme conditions and there is a very strong likelihood of getting stuck or being involved in a collision."

The A69 has been closed since 1.40pm with drivers experiencing long delays.

Two vehicles were involved between Lanercost turn and east of Low Row.

Police say there is not believed to be any injuries for those involved but the road is blocked.

It follows other incidents on the A69 today.

A collision involving 'multiple vehicles' happened at Low Road just before noon.

It was the second serious incident on that stretch of road today after a lorry jackknifed earlier on.

A police spokesman said: "There is believed to be multiple vehicles involved, however further details are not yet known at this time.

The road is currently blocked, and motorists are being asked to avoid the area."

Elsewhere, at 1.53pm police were called to reports of a two vehicle collision on the M6 southbound at Kendal involving two wagons.

There is not believed to be any injuries, but all three lanes are thought to be blocked.

Police were also called to reports of a van crashing into the central reservation just north of junction 37, partially blocking a lane of the southbound carriageway.

There are also reports of an accident on the M6 northbound at Southwaite Services with traffic coping well.

Police have also been called to deal with a collision where a car crashed into a railway bridge in west Cumbria.

Officers were sent out at 12.50pm today to Dearham Bridge, Maryport, off the A596.

It was the only car involved in the incident.

Network Rail temporarily stopped the train running to allow the situation to be assessed, however, no damage was caused to the line and passengers faced minimal disruption.

A police spokesman said :"On attendance the vehicle had been moved away from the fence and no debris on the railway line. Nobody was injured."

Train services north of Carlisle have been suspended, as have services between the city and Newcastle.