MOTORISTS are being advised to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary due to the snow and icy weather conditions which have affected large parts of Gwent this morning.

Main roads are passable with care but with snow continuing to fall many roads are becoming more dangerous and it's expected they may become icy later on.

If your journey is absolutely necessary please heed the following advice:

- Don’t leave your car running unattended when defrosting it.

- Make sure you have sufficient fuel for your journey. Keep the fuel tank topped up.

- Check weather forecasts. Listen to local and national radio for travel information.

- Give yourself extra time for your journey and drive at a constant speed. Accept your journey will take longer and don't take risks.

- Take a mobile telephone with you and make sure it is fully charged. Carry a mobile charger in the car.

- Poor weather conditions mean it can be harder for drivers to see pedestrians and cyclists, so be vigilant. In poor visibility be extra alert for hazards, and allow extra room to slow down and stop.

- Wear comfortable shoes, not thick boots, which can be difficult to drive in. Keep warm clothing and footwear in the car in case you get stuck or need to get out of the car, and carry a thermos flask and high energy snacks such as chocolate so you can have a hot drink and something to eat.

- Make sure all your car lights are working and you have no failed bulbs. Ensure that dirt, salt and snow is cleared away from light fixtures.

- Always ensure all windows are fully cleared of snow, frost and condensation before setting off on a journey. It is illegal to drive with obscured vision.

- Clear snow from the top of the car as this can fall down and obscure your windscreen while you are driving.

- Keep windscreen washer fluid topped up as windscreens quickly become dirty from traffic spray and salt from the roads.

- If you get stuck stay with your car, but in an emergency if do need to leave it, park it out of the main traffic route, where it won't cause an obstruction when conditions ease. Leave a contact number on the inside of the windscreen and return to your car at the first opportunity you have.

In addition to this we have received reports of people walking on frozen water such as rivers and lakes and officers are warning people not to engage in such activity due to the dangers posed.

People are also being urged not to engage in anti-social behaviour such as throwing snowballs at moving vehicles which is a safety risk.

Gwent Police has planned for this type of weather - officers and staff are available to deal with any emergencies. We have extra 4x4 vehicles available, and patrols have been planned according to the conditions.