Snow is forecast for east and northeast England this afternoon, spreading south to central and some western parts of England on Friday. There are also likely to be severe overnight frosts in south east England.

The Highways Agency is working closely with Met Office forecasters based at the National Traffic Operations Centre to monitor conditions and our winter fleet will be treating motorways and other strategic roads around the clock while the cold weather continues.

Jason Glasson, of the Highways Agency’s severe weather team, said: “We are expecting a range of severe weather conditions over the next 24 hours, including the risk of freezing rain, snowfall and ice. Not every journey is essential in severe weather, but if you really must travel in the worst conditions, check your vehicle before you set out; take a severe weather emergency kit; check traffic and weather conditions and always plan your journey.

“Even when roads have been treated, pay particular care where conditions such as gradients, bends or overhanging trees might increase the risk of difficult driving conditions. Always drive with care in winter conditions, even after road surfaces have been treated with salt and are clear of snow.

"For more information and advice I’d urge drivers to make time for winter and visit our website, where there are lots of tips to help keep winter journeys safe and trouble free or follow us on Twitter @winterhighways.”

Martin Young, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office said: “We are expecting some snow across parts of the country through this evening and into Friday. There is a risk of up to 10cm of snow in the worst affected regions. As a result there could be some disruption to travel. We advise people to keep up to date with our forecasts and information from the Highways Agency”.

Drivers are advised to take care around spreading vehicles and vehicles clearing snow and only overtake if they can do so safely, without driving on un-cleared snow. Winter service vehicles are performing essential work to help keep roads open and may be travelling at low speed.

Up-to-date information on road conditions on England's motorways and trunk roads is available on the Agency website at www.highways.gov.uk/traffic or by calling 0300 123 5000. For information on weather conditions, visit the Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk or listen to local radio.