'Hundreds of trees have fallen'

Road maintenance staff have been working throughout the night to deal with the heavy snowfall.

Instead of the band of snow moving across the area, it stopped for several hours over Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire Highways completed three salting runs, which have kept the main roads largely clear of dangerous snow and ice.

But the weight of snow on trees, many of which still have their leaves, has been the main problem.

Jo Brown, Hertfordshire Highways representative, said: “It is believed that hundreds of trees have been brought down on roads around the county.”

This has led to several roads being blocked, the majority of which are side roads.

Since yesterday evening 34 Hertfordshire Highways Emergency Response crews have been out but the clear up operation should take a few days.

The representative added: “We are dealing with main roads first.

“In the meantime, we continue to treat the remaining areas where snow and ice affect the road surface.

"We ask motorists to drive with care, especially this evening as temperatures will drop again.”

Any problems on the roads, including fallen trees, can be reported on www.hertsdirect.org/highwayfaults or 01438 737320