THE police and county council are advising St Albans residents to take extra care when travelling in the snow.

Motorists are being advised to prepare for disruption and to avoid making non-essential journeys. If planning to drive, be prepared for the journey to take longer than usual and take extreme care.

With further snow predicted over the weekend, Herts Police has issued the travel advice to those using the county’s roads.

A spokesman said those travelling by car should be prepared in case of a breakdown and carry extra provisions such as a flask of hot drink, food, blankets and a shovel.

If there is a need to abandon a vehicle, and it is causing an obstruction or is in a dangerous position, it may be removed and the owner will have to pay the removal and storage charges.

Abandoned cars have to be removed before ploughing and additional gritting can take place and this cannot be done where cars are obstructing the highway.

In icy conditions you should:

• Drive at a slow speed in as high a gear as possible, accelerate and brake very gently;

• Drive particularly slowly on bends where loss of control is more likely. Brake progressively on the straight before you reach a bend. Having slowed down, steer smoothly round the bend, avoiding sudden actions;

• Check your grip on the road surface when there is snow or ice by choosing a safe place to brake gently. If the steering feels unresponsive this may indicate ice and your vehicle losing its grip on the road. When travelling on ice, tyres make virtually no noise.

Meanwhile, Herts county council (HCC) said that gritters are operating around the clock to ensure that main transport routes are kept moving.

A spokesperson said that salt stocks are “high” and salt bins are being topped up throughout St Albans district.

Further advice, including routes being salted and the location of salt bins is available at www.hertsdirect.org/salting

Robert Gordon, HCC leader, said: “Please do all you can to prepare for this cold snap, checking on any vulnerable neighbours from time to time to see if they need a helping hand.”

If you need assistance, are struggling to heat your home and don’t know who can help, call HertsHelp, a network of community organisations on 0300 123 4044 for free help, advice and information.

Further information can be found at www.hertsdirect.org which covers all HCC services, including information provided by schools on whether they are open.

If you have any photos of the snow you’d like us to consider publishing, please email them to hertsad@archant.co.uk