Hartlepool Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) is warning drivers to take beware as many minor roads remain under several inches of snow that has failed to melt because of plunging temperatures.

Graeme Smith, of Hartlepool IAM, says drivers skidding on snow and ice pose the greatest danger of winter driving.

He said: "The smaller roads are really bad. On Sunday people couldn't get 10ft off their drive before they were getting stuck.

"The worst thing you can do is brake. What you want to avoid is the wheels spinning uncontrollably.

"You should use as high a gear as possible, but keep the speed down."
Hartlepool Institute of Advanced Motorists runs skid awareness courses as part of its tuition to turn motorists into advanced drivers and improve road safety. Mr Smith, 38, who lives on Hartlepool's Bishop Cuthbert estate said he witnessed several drivers abandoning their cars after getting stuck at the weekend.

Traffic was diverted through the estate after surrounding roads were closed off when heavy snow made them too dangerous.

Other advice is to be aware of the road conditions, drive slowly and make sure you car has plenty of screen wash and fluids topped up.

Tyre treads should also be checked to make sure they are within the guidelines and will provide enough grip on the ice and snow.

Mr Smith added: "If you don't have to travel then don't or find alternative means."

Advice issued by the organisation before setting out is to check the weather in advance, have an emergency kit in your car in the event of a breakdown and ensure your mobile phone is fully charged.

Today is expected to be another dry, cold and grey day, with the chance of mist and freezing fog lingering in some places.

Temperatures will drop to -1 Celcius overnight.
For Christmas Eve, forecasters are predicting milder temperatures of up to four degrees Celcius but with a few wintry showers.

Christmas Day is expected to remain generally dry with a maximum temperature of two degrees Celsius.