By Hayley Robinson

There was widespread chaos on the roads as heavy snow fell across Sittingbourne last night.

Drivers trying to make their way home along the A249 in both directions either crawled along due to the hazardous conditions or pulled in to laybys. And with road markings completely covered by a blanket of snow it was increasingly difficult for drivers to know which side of the road they were on.

Tailbacks were also caused on the A2 heading towards Rainham as hundreds of motorists abandoned the A249 route.

With four inches of snow laying on the ground more than 30 schools have closed and train services between Sittingbourne and Sheerness-on-sea have been cancelled as well as a replacement bus service.

Swale Borough Council has also announced that its refuse and recycling collection is currently under review.

Kent Police is advising motorists to only travel if necessary as much of the snowfall has now turned to ice, making driving conditions in many parts hazardous.

Ch Insp Andy Reeves, head of Kent Police's roads policing unit, said: "Driving in snow and on icy roads is very difficult, even for experienced drivers. Tyres can lose traction when the road surface is wet or icy, which can result in skidding and a loss of control of the vehicle.

"Drivers need to ask themselves whether their journey is necessary if there is very heavy snowfall. If motorists do have to travel they should take a fully charged mobile phone, food, water and warm clothes with them in case they get stranded, quick recovery cannot be guaranteed in periods of severe weather."

South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust (SECAmb) has declared a major incident.

Sue Harris, South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Trust director of operations, said: "We are prioritising life-threatening calls above all others, and due to the adverse conditions it is unlikely that we will reach patients with minor injuries and symptoms in worst hit areas.

"We urge people to stay indoors unless it is absolutely necessary. Driving conditions are extremely hazardous and we want to reduce the risk of injury on the roads as much as possible. If you need medical advice please contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47."

The advice from Kent Police is:

• Check the weather forecast and road conditions before you travel
• Make sure you have full visibility before driving, taking time to de-mist and de-ice all windows
• Use your lights
• Slow down
• Carry warm waterproof clothing, food, water and a torch in your vehicle in case weather conditions mean you have to stop
• Make sure you have plenty of fuel for your journey before you set off
• Pedestrians and cyclists, be vigilant and make sure you can be seen however you are travelling - this includes using lights and wearing high visibility clothing

For information about road conditions on motorways and trunk roads, check the Highway Agency website.

For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website.

Click here to report a school closure and see which schools are closed >>>

For information on refuse and recycling collections visit www.swale.gov.uk/snow/