MOTORISTS in Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch are being urged to take care on the roads this week, due to icy conditions.

Fire crews from across the two counties attended seven road traffic collisions across Worcestershire in recent days, including one in Redditch.

The other areas affected included two in Worcester, two in Stourport on Severn, one in Broadway, and one in Hereford.

Road traffic conditions account for a significant proportion of the incidents the service gets called to each year, and the winter months are always busy.

Icy conditions present an extra hazard for motorists using the many rural roads and motorways in the two counties.

Alan Haley, from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service's (HWFRS) community safety department, said: “While we’ve had flooded roads to contend with this winter there’s been only a handful of icy mornings and no snow as yet.

“However, we do tend to see an increase in collisions when the roads are icy and so we are keen to encourage motorists, particularly younger drivers who may not have driven on the ice before, to keep an eye on the weather and take extra care when freezing temperatures are forecast.”

HWFRS has issued key safety advice for icy weather that includes keeping a regular check on weather forecasts and travel information, and avoiding unnecessary journeys if the roads are known to be icy.

HWFRS also remind drivers that it can take considerably longer to stop in icy conditions, so they should reduce their speed and keep their distance.

It is also advised to ensure windows, mirrors and lights are free from ice before starting a journey, and that vehicles are well-maintained, serviced and ready for winter.