Military evacuates stranded drivers

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Motorists in Hampshire were left stranded overnight on the A3 (M) after heavy snowfall rallied troops from nearby Thorney Island, Southwick Park and Aldershot into action to assist with vulnerable travellers - facing the prospect of leaving their cars unattended on the snow-hit motorway.

Police and fire crews were joined by the military after many drivers were forced to either abandon their cars or sleep in them overnight as the winter weather all but closed the main trunk road at Waterlooville.

Military trucks and Land Rovers were used to plough through the heavy snow to access the stranded drivers who were given the option of staying with their vehicles or being evacuated to rescue centres.

Hampshire Police spokeswoman Sarah Julian said: "Between 600 and 1,000 vehicles were caught up in eight to 10-mile tailbacks with many owners remaining with their vehicles for several hours.

"Police have been patrolling this route with military and fire service personnel in order to provide reassurance and offer them the option of being evacuated to nearby rescue centres."

One motorist, named only as Clive, told BBC Radio Solent: "People have been just turning their engines off and falling asleep. I just pulled a couple of jackets over me and tried to sleep. The worst thing was no-one knew what was going on."

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