SNOW ploughs and gritters are working to clear snow in parts of North Devon.

Higher ground in North Devon and Exmoor has been hardest hit by snow, with up to three inches in some places. Four snow ploughs are working on clearing snow on the Blackmoor Gate and Parracombe areas, however snow drifts are causing problems and efforts are being hampered by abandoned cars.

The A39 Rowley Cross to Parracombe Lane, A399 Slade Lane to Mannacott Lane, B3229 Kentisbury Ford to A399 Slade Lane, and Thornpark Cross to Charles Cross via Welcombe are currently impassable but conditions are improving.

Road surface temperatures are set to remain below freezing this evening, and lows of -7C are again expected. With light snow forecast until around midnight, there could be icy roads across the county.

Devon County Council’s gritters will be out treating 1,700 miles of major roads across Devon at around 4pm and again overnight in most areas at either 11pm or 4am.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “While snow hasn’t affected all of the county, parts of North Devon are facing some disruption but our gritters and ploughs are doing their best to make sure all routes are passable with care. With the temperatures continuing to remain so low, ice may be a problem across Devon, even on roads that have been salted. Roads off the salting network in particular, are likely to be icy. Motorists need to continue to drive with extreme caution and if anyone has abandoned their vehicle it would be helpful if they made arrangements to collect it.”

Schools across the county have also been alerted to the possibility of snow. The only closure reported today was that of Goodleigh Church of England Primary School. Schools can keep up to date with any closures by logging on to www.devonschoolclosures.info/

Motorists are reminded of the following advice:

* Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with less traffic and colder temperatures;

* Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;

* Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed;

* Drive with care and according to the conditions;

* If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell;

* Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.

For more information and travel advice visit: www.devon.gov.uk/winter_travel