Drivers are being urged to avoid travelling today unless absolutely necessary as back ice cause schaos onhte roads.

Cumbria County Council says if people do have to drive then they are being urged to slow down and drive with extreme care.

Here is there safety advice for motorists:

Ice

Slow down, steer gently and use the highest gear you can. If you have to brake, use short, even applications, not heavy sustained pressure.

Look out for other skid traps like frost and wet leaves.

Always be conscious that 'black ice' may occur on winter roads. Black ice is a thin coating of ice on a roadway - while not truly black, it is transparent, allowing the roadway to be seen through it.

Be prepared

Your vehicle - keep it in good condition at all times and follow this checklist before you go out:

All lights clean and working, washer bottle full (use a little window antifreeze).

Clean mirrors and windows inside and out.

Tyres at the right pressure with plenty of tread.

Battery fully charged and topped

up. Your journey - don't take risks:

Watch the weather forecast and try to use gritted roads.

Don’t use roads which are closed – you will put yourself and others in danger and abandoned vehicles hamper snow clearance.

Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive.

Do not use a mobile phone while driving. Stop somewhere safe or ask a passenger to make the call.

Your survival kit - keep these things in your car:

Thick jumper, warm coat, boots, thick gloves, blanket, mobile phone, hot drink in a flask, energy boosting food, cloth, pen, good torch and a shovel.

If possible, include a tow rope, jump leads, some sand and a solid wooden board for the jack.

If you have to leave your vehicle to get help, make sure other drivers can see you.