Army called in as 1,000 vehicles stranded

The military was called in last night after up to 1,000 vehicles became stranded when snow blocked a motorway.

Police working with Armed Forces and fire service personnel used military trucks and Land Rovers to access motorists who were caught in a 10-mile jam on the A3(M) trunk road at Waterlooville, Hampshire.

Many of those stuck were evacuated to rescue centres while others remained in their vehicles overnight.

Military personnel from Thorney Island, Southwick Park and Aldershot were involved in the operation.

Hampshire Police spokeswoman Sarah Julian said: "Between 600 and 1,000 vehicles were caught up in eight- to 10-mile tailbacks with many owners remaining with their vehicles for several hours.

"Police have been patrolling this route with military and fire service personnel in order to provide reassurance and offer them the option of being evacuated to nearby rescue centres."

She added that the police were looking at options for drivers to collect their abandoned vehicles.

One motorist, named only as Clive, who was trying to travel from Guildford to Locks Heath, told BBC Radio Solent that he had been stuck in his car overnight on the A3(M).

He said: "There must be hundreds and hundreds of cars stuck. People have been just turning their engines off and falling asleep.

"I just pulled a couple of jackets over me and tried to sleep.

"The worst thing was no-one knew what was going on."