Snow and black ice have caused treacherous driving conditions and widespread road closures across Essex.

The whole of the county has suffered but south Essex appears to have been worst hit this morning (Thursday).

Cars spun and skidded into crash barriers along the A127 at around 6am, forcing police to close the dual-carriageway between Wickford and Basildon.

The A127 was also down to one lane Southend-bound between the M25 and the Fortune of War roundabout as the road was only just passable with extreme caution.

A 10-car pile-up which included a jack-knifed lorry closed the M25 between Brentwood and the Dartford Tunnel while the A12 at Margaretting was shut London-bound.

Motorists were reported to be sliding around the roundabout at Rayleigh Weir.

PC Kevin Thomas of Basildon police said: "There is sheet ice everywhere in the region and with snow falling on top of it, conditions are treacherous.

"The A127 had to be closed because it was like an ice rink. People should stay off the roads and avoid travelling unless it is absolutely necessary or the weather improves."

In north Essex there were problems this morning on the Braintree bypass, which was badly affected by black ice, and the A12 London-bound at Margaretting, where there was a multiple vehicle collision.

But Jean Upton, spokeswoman for Essex County Council highways department, said the snow had been predicted in advance.

For more on how the snowfall has affected the region see today's Evening Echo and Evening Gazette

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