UK Big Freeze: 100 Crashes in Cumbria as Roads Ice Over

Police were called to 100 crashes over a six-hour period in Cumbia as the big freeze continued its icy grip, creating treacherous road conditions.

"All the county's roads have been affected by ice and we are warning people to take care," said a Cumbria police spokesman.

"If your journey is not essential, then do not drive. If you do have to travel, take extreme care, slow down and keep a substantial braking distance from the car in front."

Snow has fallen in most parts of the country and severe weather warnings remain in place for much of England.

"This is a developing situation and we would advise everyone to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings so they are not caught out by the weather," said Martin Young, chief forecaster at the Met Office.

Lincolnshire was hit by 8cm of snow, the largest fall in the UK.

Some areas of Britain recorded temperatures dropping to as low as -7C.

The A470 in Wales was closed after two vehicles crashed because of the ice.

Heathrow airport was running a normal schedule, though passengers were being advised to check flight information with airlines before travelling to the airport.

Gatwick said it was not expecting any weather disruption this weekend, though passengers should check with their airlines.

Train operators said they were coping.

"Train companies are gearing up to deal with bad winter weather and will be working with Network Rail to run empty 'ghost' trains and de-icer units to keep tracks and overhead cables free of snow and ice as far as possible," said a spokesman for the Association of Train Operating Companies.

"The whole industry will be working hard to get people from A to B as quickly and reliably as possible."