The A27 was at a virtual standstill for more than two hours after a series of minor shunts and road closures with traffic queuing from the Emsworth turn-off all the way into Chichester.

Police closed the westbound carriage way between Chichester and Havant due to the poor road conditions while the eastbound carriageway was also slow. It has since reopened.

Although the A27 had been gritted, overnight snow lay on top - and when temperatures plummeted, roads were covered in a film of ice.

That was a treacherous cocktail and accident after accident occured.

Police vehicles hauled cars from roadside ditches alongside the A27, but while they were busy, miles and miles of queuing traffic was backed up behind them.

The westbound lane of the duel carriageway was closed completely from the Fishbourne roundabout through to Emsworth, while the road was re-gritted.

One commuter, Colin Channon, who travels from Gosport to Chichester each morning, said: "For the second day running, the trip lasted more than two and a half hours.

"Yesterday was understandable - the snow was so bad that everyone drove slowly and carefully.

"Today, conditions seemed much better - but that was deceptive, as the roads were icy and very slippery.

"Cars in front of me were sliding all over the place and it was lucky there were no serious incidents.

"But it always amazes me that whatever the road conditions, there are always some drivers who want to risk everything by driving far too fast in the outside lane."

Several commuters opted to divert from the A27 and seek alternative routes.

John Carter drove through Havant and past West Leigh along Bartons Road.

But he was only yards into Emsworth Common Road heading towards Aldsworth when a passing motorist informed him the road was blocked.

"Emsworth Common Road was treacherous and I was glad to turn around. As I was doing so, a Mini lost control and slid into a lamppost.

"Instead I came down the Horndead Road and into Emsworth. Although there was plenty of slush on the road, traffic was at least moving at about 10mph.

"And the further I progressed along the A259 the better conditions got. All in all, a journey that should have taken 30 minutes took me one hour and 45 minutes."


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