AA reports sharp rise in call-outs

Dozens of accidents led to lengthy tailbacks and traffic jams. The AA received 16,000 call-outs, 5,000 more than in normal weather conditions, despite the small number of vehicles on the road. The organisation said it expected 3,000 insurance claims, double the usual volume.

The M25 was closed around London, as was the M1 in Northamptonshire, the A1(M) at Leeds, the M3 in Hampshire, the A3 in Surrey, and the A66 in Cumbria. The Highways Agency, responsible for maintaining all motorways and major A-roads in England, said that, despite criticism from motorists, it was satisfied with its response to the snow, having employed gritters on roads over the weekend and yesterday morning.

London's bus network was cancelled for much of the day. Transport for London cited "adverse weather and dangerous driving conditions", prompting the London Mayor Boris Johnson to withdraw the congestion charge for a day.

The trans-Pennine M62 motorway and the A38 in Dartmoor will both be partially closed today. National Express services ran with heavy delays throughout the day.