by Sam Lennon

Police are warning motorists to only drive if absolutely necessary after roads turned to treacherous ice rinks.

Several tailbacks were reported after a rash of accidents on the M20 this morning and more bad weather is forecast for later today.

As early as 4.15am a lorry jacknifed, on the M20, leading to a growing tailback as the motorway was closed London-bound between Junctions 7 and 8.

At around the same time a car hit the central reservation on the London-bound side between Junctions 8 and 9 and there were also reports of lorries skidding.

This part of the motorway was also reduced to one lane on the coastbound side due to debris from an earlier accident.

South Kent Police spokesman Rosy Alexander said: "We advise people to only drive if it is absolutely necessary.

"It is challenging weather with challenging driving conditions."

Roads became passable with care later in the morning but traffic in Ashford town centre, including the ring road, was extremely light.

Several drivers had avoided using their cars in these conditions and caught the train into work or walked.