FLEETS are being urged to encourage their drivers to take extra care and adapt their driving techniques during freezing conditions.

Green Flag Motoring Assistance also warns that battery failure is most common during this time of year.

Spokeswoman Melanie Denny said: ‘Recent snow and ice, together with the freezing weather forecast, could make driving conditions treacherous for motorists, particularly on rural roads which don’t get gritted.’

The company advises motorists stuck in snow not to rev the engine which will cause the car to dig in deeper.

Instead, put the car into as high a gear as possible and slowly manoeuvre the car forwards and backwards to creep out of the snow, it adds.