Snow ploughs have been dispatched to parts of Medway worst hit by the bad weather.

The vehicles have been mobilised in Lordswood and in St Mary’s Hoo on the Peninsula.

Some routes around the towns are being hand gritted as conditions have meant the gritting lorries could not gain access. These include Shorts Way in Rochester and Slickets Hill in Chatham.

The A229 Blue Bell Hill, M2 and A2 are said to be passable but motorists are told to take extra care.

Police are telling people not to travel unless absolutely necessary as weather conditions are expected to worsen this afternoon. People who are at work have been advised to start their evening commute early.

Drivers who feel they must make a journey, are advised to stock their car with high calorie snacks, warm clothing and water, and to listen to the radio for travel updates.

Ch Supt Alasdair Hope said: "People should consider their safety and decide if their journey is really necessary. If you do travel make sure you have the right provisions for emergencies, and if you are already at work you should give serious consideration to getting home before conditions get worse this afternoon."

Buses in Medway are affected, with several services not running and others operating restricted routes.

Several other services have been forced to close, including all adult education centres, children’s centres and elderly day centres. Medway Council’s mobile library service is not running and people are advised to phone their local library before travelling to check it is open.

Rochester Castle is closed due to icy conditions, as is the Guildhall Museum in Rochester High Street. The Visitor Information Centre, also in Rochester High Street, will close at 3pm.

To find out which bus routes are affected, visit www.medway.gov.uk/transportandstreets/publictransport/buses.aspx.