Drivers and commuters are being warned to take extra care this morning as wintry conditions spread south from Scotland to the Midlands.

Severe weather warnings are in place as ice and snow bite across the country, and police and emergency services are urging caution as snow is reported in the north of Staffordshire and is expected further south soon.

And forces in Staffordshire and Warwickshire are urging everyone to ensure their screens are clear before driving.

Warwickshire Police officers will also be carrying out speed checks and Winter Driving Safety Checks concentrating on vehicle lighting and tyres and talking to drivers of the risks of drink driving.

The checks will be made at random locations at any time of the day or night - early in the morning, at lunchtime or during the evening.

"We want to reduce death and injury on roads caused by drink driving. Often it is an innocent person who dies" said PS Kate Jackson.

"Road collisions cause a tremendous heartache to families."

Staffordshire Police is running a campaign to remind people not to leave their cars unattended on the drive while defrosting them.

Each year between October and March there is a rise in the theft of motor vehicles from driveways.

Simple crime prevention measures to protect vehicles include:

•    ensure your vehicle is securely locked, including passenger doors and sun roof, and that alarms or immobilisers are switched on

•    remove all belongings from the vehicle – even a bag of rubbish could convince a thief there is something worth stealing

•    take your sat nav with you remembering to remove the cradle and wipe any sucker marks off the dashboard or windscreen. Leaving the cradle in place tells the crooks that the sat nav might be in the glove box or boot

•    park in a garage if you have one or park under street lights if possible

•    remove work equipment from your vehicle

•    keep your car keys in a safe place so if someone breaks into your home they cannot steal your vehicle as well.