Police chiefs are asking members of the public to help them by not swamping telephone lines into the control room with unnecessary calls.

Call handlers have this morning received hundreds of calls to their emergency lines from people reporting ice on their roads. Hampshire County Council Highways are continuing to grit all strategic routes throughout today, and are deploying snow-ploughs, with the priority being the main roads.

Icy and treacherous roads and related issues can be reported to the Hants Direct hotline on 0845 6035 638. For all other issues requiring police response, please call 0845 045 45 45, or 999 in the event of an emergency.

Motorists are advised that further snow is forecast for this afternoon with icy conditions anticipated this evening. Police are urging drivers to keep journeys to an absolute minimum, drive with caution and keep warm.

Full details of advice for road users is available on the Hampshire Constabulary website at www.hampshire.police.uk