A BOURNEMOUTH MP trapped on the A31 during Thursday evening's snowstorm says "key decision makers" failed to alert the armed forces or declare a major incident for more than five hours while hundreds waited for help.

Tobias Ellwood, a defence minister and former Royal Green Jacket, was stuck on the carriageway on Thursday night as he tried to return home.

Police eventually declared a major incident and the armed forces were called in to provide support.

Speaking after "a long night", Mr Ellwood said: "I was one of many hundreds stranded on the A31 until the early hours.

"As is typical in such situations, the stoic British spirit kicks in. We were keeping calm, carrying on and supporting each other, sharing food and water.

"Any frustration was directed at the few ignorant drivers who failed to appreciate how snow dramatically changes the character of the road.

"Rather than driving in single file, following the tracks, a few raced through the deep snow only to lose control and crash in other cars and lorries."

After being trapped for five hours, Mr Ellwood said he "discreetly enquired if the armed forces had received a formal request for help", but was told "none had been made".

"Indeed the Hampshire Gold Command - the county’s key emergency decision making body - had yet to even meet," he said.

"I politely informed Hampshire Police that the Army had pre-positioned assets, such as heavy lift equipment and trucks with snow chains, across the south in readiness for the storm and was waiting for the green light.

"Those emergency services on the front line did an incredible job but I believe there are lessons to be learnt by the key decision makers.

"If there is time to name a weather system ‘the beast from the east,’ there is time to prepare for this rare but large scale challenge, including how our armed forces can be utilised."

Motorists on both the east and westbound carriageways off the A31 were stranded as a result of the bad weather.

Many drivers abandoned their vehicles and walked home. Police were unable to move vehicles for several hours because of the storm.

Officers and soldiers evacuated vulnerable motorists as a priority before offering food and water to those who had remained in their vehicles.

Paramedics also assessed those with health problems, as well as those in need of medical treatment.

During the incident, Assistant Chief Constable Dave Powell said: “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.”