Snow brings travel chaos to Leicestershire
There was travel chaos for motorists and air passengers in Leicestershire today as four inches (10cm) of snow blanketed the county.
East Midlands Airport was shut from 4.30pm yesterday until 12.30am today by heavy, drifting snow, while Leicestershire County Council attached ploughs to the fronts of its gritter fleet as they began their rounds at 5.30pm yesterday in a bid to keep the roads clear.
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Walking in the snow is the preferred method of getting around as traffic chaos has hit Leicestershire and the UK
Along major routes motorists reported seeing abandoned cars as drivers gave up trying to control their vehicles in the difficult conditions.
A county council spokesperson warned that ploughs only cleared most of the snow from roads and did not make them completely snow-free.
At East Midlands Airport last night about 1,000 passengers were affected by the closure as five flights were diverted to other airports and one departure cancelled.
The airport re-opened at about 12.30am today with some knock-on effects causing delays through this morning.
Have you been affected by the overnight snow? Contact newsdesk: newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk
You can upload you snow pictures onto this site or email them to:
picturedesk@leicestermercury.co.uk
Related article with forecast for Leicester and Leicestershire - Heavy snowfall hits Leicestershire
31 Comments
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by DentArthur
Thursday, February 09 2012, 7:05PM
“Well, Winter took its time arriving this time round, but here it is...”
by Jani88
Thursday, February 09 2012, 5:47PM
“I believe that the snow is coming down now, after looking out of my window. Not just teachers but I would have thought anyone with a driving job will be disappointed or happy depending if they can get time off. The roads are very dangerous and this is not a time to drive if not necessary.”
by jonny111111
Wednesday, February 08 2012, 7:32PM
“Looks like there's more snow on the way! Just time to get those winter tyres on!”
by mashyniblett
Monday, February 06 2012, 7:38PM
“ps.... have you noticed chaps and chapese's. The snow is going so we can all wait with bated breath till next winter. With or without winter tyres,gritting etc”
by jonny111111
Monday, February 06 2012, 2:07PM
“@Banksider33 I don't really care what the "tyre experts" say, the fact is that with only 2 winter tyres on I was quite easily able to get around, I also gave a few stranded people a lift home. The car also handles a lot better in the wet! As for the insurance company i'm sure they will sleep easy at night knowing that I am safer on the road with my winter tyres. :-)”
by LE3_NHS
Monday, February 06 2012, 12:55PM
“Snow started almost spot on time. We had walked down to Welford Road to avoid the events in town. Walked up through town for a bite to eat after then got a bus home up Groby Road. No drama,no crisis. Keep Calm & Carry On!”
by Banksider33
Monday, February 06 2012, 12:50PM
“Actually, smug johny111111, tyre experts recommend winter tyres on all 4 wheels regardless of front or rear wheel drive, so as not to affect the braking and cornering characteristics. Ask your insurance company their views on only two winter tyres.”
by sulis1
Monday, February 06 2012, 9:37AM
“May I just say thank you to those people who pushed cars up Prince Drive in Oadby on Saturday night? From students to an elderly couple in their 70s. everyone helped everyone else, shook hands & said thank you when we got each other going and up the hill. In these days of complaining, horrible headlines & claims people don't care - some people in and around Oadby obviously did!”
by jonny111111
Monday, February 06 2012, 8:16AM
“@martin_le3 Yes i am smug! 2 top quality winter tyres on my drive wheels £180 fitted! They are called winter tyres because put them on your vehicle in the winter, not just for snow, they give excellent grip on wet and cold roads.
I fitted them in november and will leave them on until march/april. I will then change back to the summer tyres I already have. I think thats what you call a "no brainer"”
by Jani88
Monday, February 06 2012, 12:12AM
“The roads are quite bad in the quite areas such as housing estates, but the main roads are quite clear tonight.”