ice car

Kent Police is warning motorists to drive carefully after the Met Office issued a severe weather warning.

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With parts of the county due to wake up to icy conditions, motorists are advised to be cautious and drive slowly. Forecasters have also predicted snow could fall across parts of Kent over the next few days.

Police are advising motorists to ensure they are prepared before setting out on their journey in case they have to drive in bad weather.

If you do have to drive in bad weather, make sure you have enough fuel for your journey and carry warm waterproof clothing, a blanket, spade, food, water and a torch in your vehicle in case you break down or get stuck.

A spokesman said: “Allow time to prepare your car for the journey. Make sure you can see clearly before setting off - de-ice your windows and remove snow from the windows and from the roof of your vehicle to avoid snow slipping onto your windscreen.

“Select second gear to pull away, easing your foot off the clutch gently to avoid wheel spin. If your car has an automatic gearbox, it may have a special button for snow and icy conditions - check your handbook to make sure.

“Poor weather conditions mean it can be harder for drivers to see and it takes longer to stop, so use your lights and keep well back from the car in front.

“It can take twice as long to stop your vehicle when the roads are icy, so slow down. Always apply the brakes gently, and release them and de-clutch if the car skids.

“When driving downhill, choose a lower gear to reduce the need to use your brakes, and therefore reducing your chances of skidding.

“If your vehicle gets stuck, straighten the steering wheel and clear the snow from the wheels. Put a sack or old rug in front of the driving wheels to give the tyres some grip. Once on the move again, try not to stop until you reach firmer ground.”

Visit www.kent.police.uk for more driving and road safety advice.