Being properly prepared for winter conditions reduces the risk of accidents and vehicle breakdowns, the Highways Agency has reminded drivers.

Severe weather such as snow, ice, heavy rain, high winds and mist and fog present different challenges both for keeping the road network open and for road users driving through difficult conditions.

In severe and wintry weather it is even more important that drivers plan their journeys and adapt their driving styles to the conditions, said Highway Agency.

The organisation provides up-to-the-minute traffic reports for its network of 4,300 miles of motorways and major A roads across England.

This information and advice for safe winter driving is available through the Highways Agency’s Twitter account @winterhighways