DRIVERS in the Vale are being warned to take extra care when out on the roads during the cold snap.

The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia is urging motorists to exercise caution and follow its advice about driving through ice and snow.

Katy Jenkins, at the partnership, said: “Making sure your vehicle is clear from snow and ice and you have good, all round visibility is one easy step you can take to start your journey in the right way.

“It is also very important to clear snow from lights to make sure that other road users can see your headlights, brake lights and indicators when in use.

“Also consider packing an emergency kit with provisions in case of breakdown or delay.

“Once on the road, snowy and icy conditions offer many challenges for motorists. Collisions at this time of year can be caused by drivers not braking in time when the roads are slippery.

“If it’s snowing, raining or icy, make sure you slow down and keep well back from the vehicle in front.”

Drivers are also advised to: - •Consider local road conditions and forecasts before starting their journeys as even roads that drivers use regularly can become very challenging in this type of weather. Therefore, drivers should consider the local landscape and the possible stretches of road where there is a greater risk of ice forming.

•Clear all snow from the roof of the vehicle before driving off as it can slip down over the windscreen and obscure the driver’s view while on the move. It is also recommended that all windows and mirrors are free from ice and snow to maximise visibility while driving and also from the lights to make sure the car can be seen by other road users.

•Keep an emergency kit in the car during the winter which includes items such as an ice-scraper, torch, warm clothes and a blanket, a pair of boots, first aid kit, battery jump leads, a shovel for snow, food and drink and sunglasses.

•Make mobile phones are fully charged before heading off on a journey in case of roadside breakdown.

•Look for clues of icy roads such as ice on the pavement or on car windscreens. If tyres are making virtually no noise on the road it could be a sign that you are driving on ice. Do not brake when on ice as this will lock up the wheels and cause the vehicle to skid further. Advice is to gently ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.

•Remember stopping times and distances are greatly increased during snowy and icy conditions so drivers should slow down and keep well back from the vehicle in front to give themselves plenty of time to stop if and when they need to.

About an inch of snow fell across the Vale last night and temperatures are set to remain low for the rest of the week, with more snow showers predicted.