Perilous driving conditions in the Forest of Dean as more snow predicted today

PERILOUS driving conditions in the Forest of Dean saw cars overturning and skidding off the roads.

As most of the county got back to work yesterday, residents in the Dean had to contend with three inches of overnight snow falling onto already icy roads.

And with heavy snow predicted last night and today, conditions are likely to worsen.

At around 7am yesterday, a silver Toyota Avensis ended up on its roof near Speech House after the 25-year-old driver, from Gloucester, lost control. He was treated at the scene for minor injuries and shock.

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At 6.35am, several collisons were reported on Littledean Hill Road, although there were no injuries. One car had been driven into the wall of the Littledean Hotel.

A red car had been hit by two other cars near the school in the village and there were also accidents at Upleadon, where a car drove into a telegraph pole, and on the A48 at Sedbury, where a Ford Focusbecame wedged on a bollard at a traffic island.

Georgina Gwilliam, a lecturer at Gloucestershire College, from Littledean, spent an hour freeing her car on Monday evening, only to find it marooned once again yesterday morning.

She said: "When I woke up and saw that we had three inches of snow, I immediately knew the side roads would be dangerous."

Steve Turley, a builder from Yorkley, said: "The roads at the top of Primrose Hill in Lydney are awful, it is just compacted ice. They haven't gritted them at all."

Michelle Dodson runs dog training classes at Forest Oak Farm, but said: "I opened up for dog training classes and none of the students could make it as they were all snowed in."

A severe weather warning has been issued for this morning, but while the worst should be over by tomorrow, temperatures are not expected to rise until Saturday.

John Kay, area Highways Manager, said: "Freezing temperatures mean the snow is melting slowly and that can lead to ice forming on the roads. Drivers should remain cautious and be fully prepared before leaving on a journey."