Motorists stranded for second night in the UK as extreme weather continues

Motorists were stranded for a second night as heavy snow blanketed roads and the wintry weather brought traffic to a standstill in the UK.

Sleet and snow continued across the early hours of Saturday morning impacting highways across Kent and Hampshire, and causing treacherous conditions.

There were reports of drivers stuck past midnight on some routes, with issues reported in Kent and Hampshire.

One motorist who gave his name as Joey told the BBC he was forced to eat snow off the roof of his car after he became trapped on the M3.

Kent Police said it had seen an “incredibly busy night” with multiple vehicles stuck.

The force also said there had been “numerous RTCs (road traffic collisions) and vehicles going the wrong way on the motorway”.

Highways England South East operations manager Robert Bell said: “We have every sympathy for drivers who found themselves stranded in the severe weather.

“Safety is our top priority and our teams of gritters and snow ploughs, supported by our traffic officers, worked through the onight to keep the roads treated.