Some 30 schools throughout Fife were closed, including Gateside, Largoward and New Gilston Primary Schools and Bell Baxter High School in Cupar.

Traffic in Dundee, however, appeared to cope well as snow hit the city in mid-morning.

A spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said gritters had been out in force from early morning and had been diverted from their work on minor routes to keep the main thoroughfares open.

But that was little consolation for hundreds of motorists who ground to a halt as the roads became choked with slow-moving traffic.

A series of accidents inevitably worsened matters, with the A9 south of Perth closed for a time when a lorry jack-knifed and a passing driver who stopped his own lorry also became stuck.

Users of the M90 south of Perth also suffered as the road was reduced to one lane in both directions with waits of well over an hour for stricken motorists. Later in the day it was closed completely between Kelty and Milnathort, with traffic diverted along other routes.

At the Broxden roundabout outside Perth, another jack-knifed lorry on the inside lane meant traffic could only squeeze past with care.

Police also had to keep a close eye on the A9 north of Perth, with fears it would have to be closed altogether.

Other, more minor roads, were blocked and drivers had to fend for themselves as the council’s attentions focused on keeping the arterial routes open.

Traffic slowed to a crawl on roads around Perth, including the A85 to Crieff, the A94 to Coupar Angus and the A93 to Blairgowrie, with cars unable to reach speeds above 30 mph. Further north, on the A93, at Spittal of Glenshee, the road was closed completely.

Cars became stuck on the A952 Balbeggie to Abernyte road and all other roads were deemed passable only with great care.

Around 11 incidents were reported to Tayside Police, however no injuries were recorded. Chief Inspector Sandy Bowman called on motorists to pay attention to the main safety problems before embarking on journeys in order to avoid further incidents.

“Check all lights to ensure that they are clean and in good working order,” he added.

“Remember to use dipped headlights as this will ensure good visibility to the front of the vehicle and make the vehicle visible to other road users.

“Washer bottles should be kept topped up with screen wash, and wiper blades kept in good condition.

‘‘Before setting off on a journey, always make sure that the windows have been properly cleared of ice and mist. It is unsafe to drive a vehicle when you cannot clearly see ahead and to the sides.

“Good tyres are even more essential in wintry conditions. Drivers should check their tyres for defects such as bulges, cuts or tears. These defects will weaken the tyre and render it unsafe.

‘‘Driving too close to the vehicle in front in such conditions is particularly dangerous, on a wet or icy road surface.”