SNOW and ice is causing commuter misery across North-west London this morning with many drivers having spent the night stranded in their cars.

With hundreds of vehicles stranded and traffic queues crawling around the region's motorways, police and transport services are struggling to avert a wave of medical emergencies.

Tube and train services are also struggling to cope, with more than 40 LU stations closed.

One of the worst hit is the M11 where many drivers have spent the night, many only managing to cover a few miles between the Stansted and Duxford junctions.

Radio traffic reports are describing the M11 at junction 8 as impassable. The A120 between Stansted and Dunmow is also badly affected.

Essex Police spokeswoman Kim Perks said there was a 13-mile tailback on the northbound M11 following a multiple accident involving a jack-knifed vehicle.

She added that emergency services and gritting vehicles were being hampered by drivers who had parked on the hard shoulder.

The A414 Chelmsford-bound is closed at the Four Wantz roundabout, Ongar, following an accident at Norton Heath.

Police are urging people not to drive unless their journey is essential.

Stansted Airport was closed, because of ice on the runway and airport staff being unable to get to work, and British Airports Authority will review the decision at midday.

Passengers at Heathrow are suffering long delays.

There was misery for commuters on the tubes as more than 40 stations have been closed with long delays on the Piccadilly, Bakerloo and Jubilee lines.

Dozens of schools are closed are reported closed this morning because of the weather.

January 31, 2003 12:00