WINTRY weather gripped the West of Scotland today with the icy conditions making many roads treacherous.

Drivers faced chaos as gritters struggled to clear a mix of snow and ice, while rain and sub-zero temperatures added to the problems.

Highway officials at Amey today said gritting and clearing operations across the West of Scotland went on throughout the night.

Unit manager Colin Mackenzie said: "Gritting began at 6pm and continued throughout the night."

He said all routes remained open although one lane on the northbound carriageway of the M74 near Lesmahagow was expected to remain closed until lunchtime.

Black ice brought chaos to Albert Road in the South side of Glasgow this morning when a delivery truck collided with a car. The accident left five other vehicles stranded as they slithered around on the ungritted road.

Police closed part of the road, outside Crosshill train station, for more than two hours following reports of a handful of minor accidents at around 8.15am.

Gritters later arrived and the route reopened at around 10.30am.

Many minor roads around the country were left almost impassable.

Emergency services urged motorists to take care as forecasters issued a severe weather warning for much of the country.

Heavy snow hit northern areas, and there was black ice on roads across the country.

Driving conditions in towns and villages throughout the West of Scotland were hazardous after snow fell on icy roads, with Ayrshire and Lanarkshire particularly badly hit.

Some drivers complained about not seeing any council gritters and told how they had to drive through snow to reach the M77 and M74.

Traffic on the M74 came to a standstill after several vehicles were involved in a crash early today at Junction 12, Millbank.

Snow and ice also affected the M77. Motorists using this route faced disruption at J1 Drumbreck Road and J4 Crookfur Road.

Rail passengers faced delays because of signalling problems.

A First ScotRail spokeswoman said: "Weather-related signalling issues hit services between Newton and Motherwell and on the Neilston line."

Rail chiefs warned that services in and out of Glasgow may be subject to change today.

Around two inches of snow fell in some areas of Glasgow overnight but these showers were expected to ease off by lunchtime.

However, more snow is forecast for later this week with a weather expert at the MeteoGroup warning: "Another band of snow is due early Thursday but it's possible it will fall east of Glasgow."

Pupils at Busby Primary School and Nursery were given a day off after contractors knocked out the electrical supply yesterday. East Renfrewshire Council hopes to re-open the school tomorrow.