Icy conditions led to 16 road collisions in just one hour across Essex between 7.30am and 8.30am today.

Police advise drivers to keep their windows, roofs and lights clear of snow, frost and condensation and ensure lights are in working order.

Keep windscreen washer fluid and fuel topped up and give yourself extra time for your journey and drive at a constant speed.

Take a mobile phone with you and make sure it is fully charged.

If you get stuck, stay with your car, but in an emergency if you do need to leave it, park it out of the main traffic route, where it will not 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.