SNOW has been causing chaos around Swindon as drivers struggle to get to grips with hazardous road conditions.

While delighted children were eager to get out and play, the A419 was closed after 30 vehicles became stuck, part of the M4 was blocked and cars were abandoned on roads around the town.

Police responding to several accidents in the area advised motorists not to take to the roads unless they really had to.

One driver tweeted: “Driving in the snow down the A419 was the worst experience of my life.”

Earlier Swindon South Police reported: “The snow on our roads out of Swindon are causing traffic issues - Salthrop Hill is impassable and Red Barn Hill and Plough Hill are causing problems. Please seek alternative routes where possible.”

Over in Royal Wootton Bassett shortly before 8am police said: “We’ve had five calls for RTC in the past three minutes, please only go out if it’s absolutely necessary!

We are responding on foot to an RTC on the High Street in Royal Wootton Bassett.”

They added: “Stating the obvious but please, only go out if you need to and leave plenty of time, drive to the road conditions, within your abilities and your car’s.”

Swindon North Police closed part of Thamesdown Drive from Abbey Meads towards Groundwell because vehicles were stuck.

Cars lost traction and came to a halt on the A419 going up Blunsdon Hill while lorries and coaches were unable to move on some sections of the M4.

Drivers tackling the road between Highworth and Blunsdon struggled in the conditions and some abandoned their cars.

Thamesdown Buses were unable to get up Victoria Road to Old Town, which meant the number 11 service was unable to run.

Other services were also affected. The firm tweeted: Due to the Road conditions this morning, unfortunately we are unable to service The Orbital with the Service 5, buses are unable to get up the hills at Haydonleigh Drive & Woodhall. All Service 5's will be terminating at The Boundary House until further notice. Apologies.”

Stagecoach West was unable to run its Swindon to Cirencester service because of the closure of the A419. The number 66 could only go as far as Shrivenham because of the state of the road.

Swindon Borough Council said its gritting team had been out twice during the night, but urged drivers to take extra care.

Wiltshire Council has also closed Purton household recycling centre because of the disruption.

The Great Western Hospital urged people to take care when out and about. “If you need medical help, please think about using all the healthcare options in Swindon, like the walk in centre in Fleming Way or the urgent care centre at the Great Western Hospital. We’re likely to be very busy today looking after people who’ve had accidents.”

Wiltshire Police advised motorists only to make essential journeys following the overnight snow fall in the north of the county with more snow forecast.

Supt Conway Duncan said: "The snow has currently hit Swindon and the north of the county - it appears to be a line north of Lyneham where the worst has fallen, however, we are expecting more to fall in the north and centrally later this morning/today.

"We are working closely with our partner agencies to ensure that there are sufficient resources but our best advice is to avoid any unnecessary journeys if at all possible.

"We are seeing a number of collisions at junctions, in particular, where people are trying to stop as if the conditions are normal and dry. "When the roads are wet and icy it can take twice as long to stop your vehicle, so please slow down and plan well ahead of a junction so you slowly come to a halt just before or as you get to the junction.

"Also, if you have to travel, there are measures that all road users can take to help reduce any risks."