ABANDONED cars along main routes in the district are being ticketed by traffic wardens today - but vehicles illegally parked in side roads will all escape fines, the council has said.

Epping Forest District Council said it will only ticket cars causing an obstruction, and that its wardens "are actually out and about more to help people this morning", rather than to issue fines.

Vehicles found abandoned in car parks will also not be fined in the aftermath of yesterday's snowfall.

The news comes after dozens left their vehicles on the roadside last night as heavy snowfall and ice caused gridlock, with many key routes grinding to a complete halt.

Several abandoned cars in Epping New Road have been fined this morning for blocking the carriageway.