Motorists today seemed to heed police warnings to watch their speed and take more care in the icy conditions.

There were very few accidents caused by the cold snap over the past two days, said Rayleigh traffic police Sergeant Richard Ager.

But drivers still need to use common sense and make sure they drive more slowly and clear their windscreens of frost and ice before setting out.

Temperatures touched 0C at about 8pm yesterday and a brisk northerly wind caused a heavy frost this morning, said a Met Office spokeswoman.

Sgt Ager said: "Drivers should be taking precautions, especially with this cold snap. Failing to clear windscreens is a traffic offence so people need to use common sense."

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