HIGHWAYS England is urging motorists in the north to only drive 'if absolutely necessary' with temperatures expected to drop further still overnight.

More snow is forecast, and gritting teams are working around the clock to keep motorways and major A-roads free from snow and ice.

Across the country, thousands of tonnes of salt have been spread on major motorways and routes - including the M6 - since Thursday.

Highways England’s head of road safety Richard Leonard said: “We’re working around the clock to keep our motorways and major A-roads open following the heavy snowfall in the past 24 hours.

"With further snowfall and temperatures set to plummet overnight, we will be working continuously to treat our roads and keep them free from disruption.

“We are encouraging road users, particularly in the north of England and Midlands, to drive only if it’s necessary – your safety is our top priority and our advice is to work at home, travel by public transport or to wait until the weather and road conditions have improved.

“If this is not possible then plan your journey carefully, monitor weather reports and pack a snow kit of blankets, food, water and a shovel and before you set off, make sure vehicle is ready for your journey and is clear of snow.

“Anyone thinking of using the roads should be advised to keep their distance and reduce speed, because even in conditions that seem normal, and the snow is not settling, it can be slippery if ice patches have formed, or where fresh grit has not been worked into the carriageway.”

Chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale, from the Met Office, said: “There have been some large falls of snow in parts of Wales and central England and these accumulations could still cause some disruption as we start the working week.

"After a cold night there is likely to be ice in areas that have settled snow and also in parts of the south east where rain pushes in from the south east.”