Police are advising motorists across Avon and Somerset to think carefully about whether their journeys are necessary as snow continues to fall.

Over the weekend many areas experienced heavy snowfall which is making the roads hazardous to drive on.

Further snow is forecast and this is expected to make the situation worse. Police are advising motorists to think carefully before setting off and make journeys another day if possible.

Avon and Somerset Police's website has festive tips and guidelines for safer winter motoring. If you do have to travel on the roads in the next few days please remember these top tips:

Carry an emergency kit, including ice scraper, torch, warm clothes and a blanket, boots, a shovel, a fluorescent waistcoat, food and a warm drink in a flask.

Try to brake, steer and change gear as smoothly as possible to avoid affecting the grip of your tyres on the road.

Reduce the risk of skidding on slippery or wet roads by slowing down.

Remember to take regular breaks from driving – tiredness and loss of concentration increase the risk of road traffic collisions.

Check your vehicle and have it serviced regularly. Make sure the fluids are topped up and don't forget to replace the anti-freeze in the radiator.

Make sure your lights are clean and check the bulbs.

Ensure your windscreen is clean and clear.

Check your tyres are correctly inflated and replace them if the tread has reached the legal minimum. Inadequate tread depth increases the risk of skidding.

Plan your route in advance and allow additional time which factors in traffic and weather conditions.

Click here for traffic updates and visit the Highways Agency Website www.highways.gov.uk. Local radio stations are also a good source of the latest traffic news. Weather information can be found at www.metoffice.gov.uk

Chief Inspector Polly King from the Road Policing Unit said: "The weather is making driving more hazardous at the moment and people should be very careful if they are setting out on the roads. Listen to travel bulletins on the radio and always take with you an emergency kit including warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade. Anyone venturing out should stick to major routes if possible and be wary of sat-navs suggesting routes which may include rural, untreated roads.

"We have well rehearsed plans for dealing with severe weather and officers are on the roads dealing with any problems that are reported to us. As well as motoring I would encourage people to think about their neighbours at this time and make sure elderly people are warm, have any medication they need and have enough to eat."

To view the winter motoring safety advice visit www.avonandsomerset.police.uk