Police slam drivers who ignored ice closure on Avon Causeway near Christchurch

POLICE have slammed motorists who ignored a road closure on a major route near Christchurch which saw several collisions due to icy conditions.

The Avon Causeway had already been partly closed earlier on Saturday as it was blocked after one crash was quickly followed by two others.

No serious injuries were reported.

After the police closure was lifted, the local authority shut the route so the icy road could be treated.

But a Facebook post by local officers said: “Unfortunately, a number of vehicles ignored the local authority road closed signs on each side of the causeway, continuing to travel along a treacherous stretch of road, endangering themselves and other road users, as well as emergency services and local authority staff who may have had to respond to further collisions.

“To put the closure into perspective, earlier this week a tractor went off the causeway – if it can happen to that type of vehicle, it could happen to car or motorcycle.

“We understand that it is an inconvenience, however, it is there to keep drivers, emergency services and local authority staff safe.”

Drivers were urged to allow extra time on their journeys amid the continued freezing weather.