DRIVERS are being urged to take extra care on the roads because of widespread fog which is slow to clear this morning.

Highways England is advising drivers to check their headlights and fog lights before setting out on journeys to make sure they are working properly, and adjust their speed to suit the conditions on the road.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning for fog meaning drivers should plan ahead and think about possible travel delays.

Areas of fog include some locally dense freezing fog patches with visibility of less than 100 metres.

Stuart Lovatt, Highways England’s Head of Road User Safety, said: “Drivers should switch their headlights on when visibility is reduced – generally when you can’t see for more than 100 metres – and use fog lights if you’re struggling to see other vehicles.

"You shouldn’t use your lights on full beam as the fog can reflect the light back and reduce visibility.

“We’d also encourage drivers to check their lights before setting out and make sure they know how to operate their front and rear fog lights.”

Drivers are also being advised to:

·         Keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front and beware of other drivers who may not be using headlights and so will be harder to see.

·         Use your windscreen wipers and demisters, including air conditioning.

·         Be able to stop well within the distance you can see clearly. This is particularly important on motorways and dual carriageways, as vehicles are travelling faster.

·         Check your mirrors before you slow down. Then use your brakes so that your brake lights warn drivers behind you that you are slowing down.