A MOTORIST has described the chaotic scenes on the A31 last night as drivers were trapped and forced to spend the night in their vehicles.

Mechanic Gary Toomer, 67, was travelling from Weymouth to London yesterday and got stuck on the road before reaching the M27.

Hampshire Constabulary announced that it had declared a "military incident" at 9.30pm after the road became blocked in both directions.

The A31 eventually began moving at about 6am this morning but drivers are being warned not to use the road.

Gary said: "We were travelling eastbound just after 5pm and we eventually moved just after midnight and it still took me one hour to go to the Rownhams services.

"There was no assistance. We only saw the highway patrol after one hour and a half we were stuck and a fire vehicle after three hours.

"We didn’t get any help. There was no signs of emergency services at all. It was 8pm when they mentioned the eastbound on the news. They only mentioned the westbound before.

"I don’t think the emergency services were ready. They should have gritted the road and clear the road. I feel frustrated, mainly because of the lack of information.

"With no information people didn’t know if anyone was going to come and help. There was then a mention on Twitter that emergency services were providing hot drinks but we have never seen anyone. They hadn’t cleared the road as they should have done.

"It hasn’t been easy but we have been lucky enough. We had some snacks and drinks and warm clothes.”

Gary eventually managed to get home at 2am.

Hampshire Constabulary issued a statement last night saying its focus was to help the most vulnerable motorists.

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 given 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.

“As well as colleagues from all emergency services, colleagues from the military are being drafted in to help.

“My message to those who are struck is that we will get to you as soon as we can, so please stay in your vehicle, keep your engine running and keep as warm as you possibly can.”