GETTY Snow ploughs were called in to clear roads and rescue stranded drivers

The unusual step was taken after the extreme weather conditions blocked the road through the New Forest and Dorest in both directions, with police setting up rest centres to enable people stuck in their cars to get food and drink. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: "The incident on the A31 was declared a major incident at 8.30pm. “Police have now taken the lead for this incident and we have called on the military and other partners to assist us in helping you."

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Powell said: "All emergency services are working as hard as they can to get to as many people as possible at the scene and give them immediate assistance. "I know that many people have been stuck for several hours and we are working as fast as we can to get to them, but at this stage we are limited to moving people from the scene rather than moving vehicles." Traffic got moving again just before 6am, but emergency service were still trying to clear some trapped cars and recover abandoned vehicles.

The incident on the #A31 was declared a major incident at 8.30pm. Police have now taken the lead for this incident and we have called on the military and other partners to assist us in helping you. pic.twitter.com/3zWa7ROyB2 — Hampshire Police (@HantsPolice) March 1, 2018

Tracey, who was travelling from Bournemouth to Southampton, told the BBC she had been stuck in her car for at least eight and a half hours. "Something seems to be happening now, but an hour ago I thought I was going to be here all night," she said. "I’m pleased to see them (the police and military) as I didn’t think I was going to get home to tonight."

6hrs on and we see tractors with snow ploughs. Are these our local hero's i.e. voluntary farmers? #A31 #Stranded pic.twitter.com/WuV9g0PrIc — Ru Butler (@Webbutlers) March 1, 2018

Singer Natasha Barnes had tweeted on Thursday evening: "Can someone please send help to the A31?? "People are stranded and on their own and it's continuing to snow. No helicopters or police in sight." Motorists are also stranded on roads in Scotland, and other areas of theUK overnight. Those stuck on the road were urged to call 101 if they have a medical condition or are running out of fuel, or to call 999 in an emergency.