Surge in winter weather claims

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The sudden wintry weather led to the AA receiving more than 500 car insurance claims on Monday - which is nearly twice as many as a regular winter Monday.

So far, the busiest day of 2009 faced by the firm was on February 2, when the country was last hit by widespread snow. During that day, around 800 claims were taken.

Director of AA Insurance Simon Douglas said: "Fortunately, most accidents are at a relatively slow speed so we're not getting reports of injuries. But an accident is always distressing and on ice can be very frightening.

"Our role first and foremost is to offer help, advice and a sympathetic ear and help them decide on the next best course of action. Our roadside patrols are also reporting their busiest day for years, with over 16,000 calls taken by 3pm on Monday."

Having himself endured some of the dreadful driving conditions in Basingstoke, Hampshire, on Monday, AA president Edmund King has accused local authorities of "not acting sooner and more thoroughly" to treat ice and snow-bound roads.

He claimed: "Some key roads have not been gritted at all."

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