FIREFIGHTERS have issued a ‘drive safely’ warning amid fears the south west may suffer a winter blast of snow and ice this week.

They are asking drivers to take extra care behind the wheel if the expected icy grip in the east extends westwards.

Their main advice is to avoid hitting the road in snowy or similarly treacherous conditions.

A spokesman stressed: ‘Never leave when it’s snowing heavily or if it is forecast to snow, and avoid other bad conditions like heavy rain, ice or fog.’

Anyone trapped in bad weather should:

* Slow right down and only travel at speeds at which it is possible to stop within the visible distance.

* Maintain a safe space from the vehicle in front. If possible increase it to as much as 10 times the normal distance in safe conditions.

* Avoid harsh breaking, accelerating and sharp steering.

* Use fog lights in foggy conditions and dipped headlights when visibility is reduced.