Police plea to drivers after snow in Warwickshire

[dutchman]

Drivers have been warned to only travel if it is "absolutely essential" after snowfall in Coventry and across Warwickshire.



Insp Darren Webster, from Warwickshire Police, said journeys would take much longer and there were a "lot more risks" when driving in snow.

The heaviest snowfalls have been seen in south Warwickshire, including in Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon.

The Met Office issued a severe weather warning across the West Midlands.

It said widespread icy roads and snow were expected in many areas over the weekend.

Birmingham Airport was among UK airports where some flights were cancelled or delayed because of conditions.

Breathing problems

Meanwhile, West Midlands Ambulance Service said Friday was its busiest day since regional records began.

It responded to 3,941 calls throughout the region, which was about 120 more responses than overnight on last New Year's Eve, which is traditionally the busiest time for the service.

A service spokeswoman said: "A large number of these calls were to reports of breathing problems, road traffic collisions and slips trips and falls, which have come about due to the sudden on set of cold weather.

"With the wintry weather set to stay over the next couple of days the public is being urged to take extra precautions to try to avoid any unnecessary accidents."