With the first serious frost of the year closing in this weekend, police in Hertfordshire are urging motorists to de-ice their vehicles thoroughly and cut their speed to avoid accidents.

County officers advised drivers that if they do not properly scrape and demist their windscreens they risk breaking the law as well as leaving pedestrians at risk.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said people should leave the house a few minutes early to ensure they have enough time to properly prepare their vehicle.

However while de-icing a car motorists have been reminded not leave their cars unattended with the keys in the ignition, potentially gifting it to opportunistic thieves.

Lastly drivers are being warned to cut their speed as well as making sure their tyres and tread a sufficient to deal with the icy road conditions.