Icy driving conditions in the UK

A warning for icy conditions is in place for the whole of the UK prompting police to urge drivers to slow down. The yellow “be aware” warnings cover Scotland, Northern Ireland and most of England and Wales. The wintery weather continues to bring snow on high grounds and dusting some lower ground.

The Met Office have warned further snowfall on high grounds in southern Scotland, Northern England and North Wales. More snow will fall in the north-west with up to 3cm on higher ground and a possible thin layer on low ground. Police Scotland warned drivers to expect poor driving conditions.

Highways England have warned drivers of the “quite heavy” snow on the M62 trans-Pennie route where ploughs and salt are being used to keep the road safe.

On the M6 snow caused closures of the southbound entry slip road at junction four overnight. A fleet of 32 gritters were out in south-west scotland were conditions were seen as extremely cold.

The Met Office meteorologist Sophie Yeomans said: “Most of the country is in the colder and showery air. The snow is mainly on the hills, while for most places the showers are falling as rain and maybe a bit of sleet.”

She added: “Look out for any areas where the surfaces haven’t been treated. On untreated surfaces there’s a risk of slips and falls. There’s also a risk of some icy surfaces on any untreated roads.”