Icy conditions, flooding and reckless driving is putting a massive strain on the emergency services, police warned this morning.

Icy conditions and flooding in some areas led to 67 road traffic collisions on the roads of Thames Valley Police area this yesterday morning, three times the figure for an average day.

A total of 463 traffic-related incidents were recorded in the first 12 hours, compared with 102 for the same period of the last Wednesday morning without snow.

Police said the conditions had led to a significant increase in calls made to police, putting a strain on call-handling and roads policing resources.

Further expected flooding and black ice is likely to create similarly difficult driving conditions in the coming days.

Sgt Chris Appleby, of the Roads Policing department, said: “We are seeing a lot of accidents caused by erratic driving.

“Many incidents of poor driving practice are being highlighted to us. For example, you should always reduce your speed before a bend, not on it. If you brake on a bend in icy conditions, it is very likely that you will skid.

“Drivers should not make any erratic moves, like sudden steering or braking. These can lead to cars leaving the road. Please allow yourself enough distance to stop.

“The advice is to leave plenty of time for your journey and drive carefully – we want you to get to your destination safely.”

Sgt Appleby warned of worsening road conditions during coming days.

Police are handing out the following advice to drivers:

  • It can take ten times longer to stop in icy conditions.
  • Keep your distance. Allow extra room to slow down and stop.
  • Slow down and avoid making any sharp driving movements.
  • If the weather becomes severe, don't drive unless you have to and delay your journey until conditions improve.
  • Drivers are also advised to listen to regular radio travel bulletins or log on highways.gov.uk and if the weather conditions dictate be equipped with warm clothes, food, water, boots, a torch and spade.