Buses trapped on skating rink at top of Portsdown Hill | Nostalgia

In the winter of 1940 much of southern England suffered the coldest January since 1814.But because of wartime censorship it could not be reported how bad matters were for fear of providing information to the enemy.
By Bob Hind
Published 12th Apr 2020, 18:15 BST
Iced up outside The George. In January 1940 it was so cold that buses could not get down Portsdown Hill because of the ice on London Road. Picture: Tony Triggs collection.Iced up outside The George. In January 1940 it was so cold that buses could not get down Portsdown Hill because of the ice on London Road. Picture: Tony Triggs collection.
Iced up outside The George. In January 1940 it was so cold that buses could not get down Portsdown Hill because of the ice on London Road. Picture: Tony Triggs collection.

Cold rain had hit the already frozen ground and immediately turned everything into a skating rink. When buses arrived at the top of Portsdown Hill drivers and conductors dared not attempt the descent to Cosham so buses had to wait at the summit.

Some passengers attempted to get to the top by walking up from Cosham but it must have been a frightening and difficult trip.

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The bus crews also had to walk down and up to get relief. At least waiting passengers could buy a pint from the George Inn.

No ice but still a slip road... The former London Road, now a 'branch line' on to Portsdown Hill Road. Picture: Bob HindNo ice but still a slip road... The former London Road, now a 'branch line' on to Portsdown Hill Road. Picture: Bob Hind
No ice but still a slip road... The former London Road, now a 'branch line' on to Portsdown Hill Road. Picture: Bob Hind

Below is the same view, taken by me last autumn.

This is no longer London Road as it now bypasses The George on the eastern side of the pub, under-passing Portsdown Hill Road since 1968.

This original part of London Road is now a slip road off the modern road. Traffic must turn left at the top to head for Fareham. Pub traffic has to approach it from the northern side.

Related topics:BusesPortsdown HillEnglandLondon RoadTrafficFareham

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