Drivers stranded as blizzard hits.

(From Western Morning News)

Hundreds of motorists were stranded in "horrendous" conditions on one of the Westcountry's main roads as blizzards caused misery across the region last night.

In a repeat of scenes from a year ago, thousands of worried drivers waited for hours on the A38 duel carriageway at Haldon Hill, near Exeter, unable to move after several inches of snow brought traffic to a complete standstill.

Drivers and their passengers had to be rescued by emergency services working throughout the night, and taken to rescue centres which were specially set up. Several gritting lorries were also caught up as hundreds of vehicles queued for hours as the snow and sleet came down.

The A38 also ground to a halt around Liskeard, Cornwall, after a spate of accidents, including two lorries which overturned near Dobwalls.

Last night, questions were already being asked about how the blizzards could cause such havoc on the major route - particularly as the same stretch was brought to a standstill in February last year, with car occupants rescued overnight.

Motorist Chad Cole, speaking last night while …