Double decker bus crashes as police issue warning about the roads
Avon and Somerset Police have warned drivers to stay safe because of ice and to only travel if necessary
Last updated 17th Jan 2023
A double decker bus has overturned on the A39 Quantock Road near Bridgwater, sparking a large emergency response.
The incident happened between the B3339 Sandford Hill (Wembdon) to Quantock Meadow (Bridgwater) and emergency services remain at the scene.
Overnight more than 100 reports were made to Avon and Somerset police within a five-hour window because of road-related incidents.
There's currently a yellow weather warning for ice in effect across the West Country - which is in place through this morning (17/01).
The Met Office say "ice is likely to cause difficult driving conditions at first this morning".
We're told to not drive unless it's essential, because of a combination of recent heavy rain, and plummeting temperatures.
Between 6 pm and 11 pm last night more than 53 road traffic collisions were reported to police - seven of which resulted in injuries, although they are not thought to be serious.
A further 67 calls were received for other road-related incidents
The advice is not drive at all, but if you have to - Avon and Somerset Police have issued a check list, to help keep yourself and other drivers safe.
Have you checked your;
- Fuel
- Oil, coolant and screen wash levels
- Tyre tread depth and air pressure
- Windscreen wiper blades
- Working electrics
In a statement, Supt Mark Runacres says "We are advising the public to only travel where absolutely essential due to the treacherous driving conditions. If travel is necessary, we ask the public to take extreme caution and allow additional time to travel."
“We have seen a significantly higher number of road-related collisions and incidents in the past 12 hours, which has increased the demand on police resources."
Police say they are working with local authorities and the National Highways to ensure roads are gritted properly ahead of rush hour traffic.
For more advice on preparing for winter weather conditions, you can visit the Met Office website