The Old Castletown Road has been closed from its junction with the Oatlands Road and the Blackboards because of icy conditions.

The road was closed at 9.30am and police say it will remain shut until at least 1pm.

Police said conditions on the Old Castletown Road, and in the area of Santon, are described as icy and dangerous and added: ’We are taking numerous reports of vehicles stuck on ice.

’We advise that motorists use the main arterial routes from the South to Douglas, and vice-versa, and that you plan extra time into your travel. The gritters are out treating the roads (and have been most of the night and morning) but the frozen road surfaces remain frozen.

Please drive with care, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.

’Safe stopping distances are significantly increased in icy conditions.’