The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia is warning motorists in Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Shropshire to be prepared for potentially hazardous driving conditions tomorrow as heavy rain turning to snow is forecast for the Midlands region in the early hours of Friday morning.

The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia are today reminding road users to take extra care on the roads as the clocks change this weekend.

As nights get darker it is increasingly more difficult for motorists to see other road users. Pedestrians are being encouraged to think about their presence on the roads and wear high visibility clothing and reflective material and to always use pedestrian crossings where possible. Cyclists should also think about their clothing and ensure their bike is in good working condition and carries front and rear lights.

The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia are today warning motorists of the dangers that may be present during this time of year as farmers are using the roads more when harvesting and moving their produce.

Agriculture is one of Shropshire’s major industries and harvesting a wide variety of crops at this time of the year sees an increase in agricultural vehicles on the road. The Partnership is reminding farmers that leaving mud and debris on the road is an offence under the Highways Act and is a potential hazard to other road users.

The Safer Roads Partnership and West Mercia Police are today warning people of the dangers of driving under the influence of drink or drugs during this summer.

With the summer months and warmer weather approaching drink and drug drive offences typically increase and to combat this, enforcement of these offences over the summer will be a key priority for West Mercia Police. Roadside checks will be carried out at all times of the day and night and on all types of road and drivers will be automatically tested if a collision occurs.

Shropshire’s fire chief has appealed to all drivers to take care on the roads this Christmas to avoid a potential tragedy.

Tragic deaths at this time of the year were “so poignant,” Paul Raymond told road safety advocates at Shropshire Council’s “don’t drink and drive” campaign launched at Shrewsbury FC.

The county’s Chief Fire Officer, who is responsible for road safety for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, is also president of the Shropshire branch of the Institute of Advanced Motorists. He was lending his voice to the annual appeal to county drivers.