Army called in as 1,000 cars stuck

The Army had to help out after 1,000 vehicles got stranded on a motorway
12 April 2012

The military had to be called in after up to 1,000 vehicles became stranded when snow blocked a motorway.

Police working with Armed Forces and fire service personnel used military trucks and Land Rovers to access motorists who were caught in a 10-mile jam on the A3(M) trunk road at Waterlooville, Hampshire.

Many of those stuck were evacuated to rescue centres while others remained in their vehicles overnight.

Military personnel from Thorney Island, Southwick Park and Aldershot were involved in the operation.

On of those who got stuck on the A3(M) for 12 hours was a heavily pregnant woman and her 13-month-old daughter.

Carla Holt claimed she received no support from the police overnight until the road at Petersfield in Hampshire was cleared enough for vehicles to move again at 6.30am on Wednesday.

The 23-year-old, who was with her daughter Lily-May and friend Ricky Wells, said: "We went through hell. I am eight months pregnant, I couldn't go to the toilet all night, I couldn't warm the bottle up for my baby daughter. It was very frightening."

Meanmwhile, a meals on wheels service has appealed for 4x4 drivers to help it reach elderly people in the snow.

The WRVS Community Meals on Wheels needs help to deliver hundreds of meals across Gloucestershire, where snow has left roads impassable.

Spokesman John Clifford said: "We are appealing for anyone with a 4x4 who can help, particularly in the Stonehouse area, so anybody in the Gloucestershire area who has a 4x4 and can help us is very welcome."

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