BURY road safety chiefs issued a warning to motorists as winter took a grip on the borough's highways.

Plunging temperatures and the proper snowfall last week led to treacherous conditions.

Mr Paul Birch, Bury Council's senior road safety officer, said: "As winter is here once again drivers have to remember that the conditions of the road can change almost instantly from bright sun to snow and slush.

"Black ice on the road cannot be seen, which means it could be anywhere. These road conditions can affect each and every road user, so all drivers must play their part to ensure that driving and speeds are kept at a level suitable for the condtions."

And he handed out some quick tips which could avert disaster:

Stopping distances need to be increased by as much as four times in the rain and ten times in snow and ice.

Check your vehicles for tyre tread depth.

Washer bottles should contain an appropiate screen wash, as salt, even on a dry road, can produce a coating on the windscreen and reduce visibility

Mr Birch added: "It may also be a good time of year to take advantage of garages that offer free brake and battery checks, and they may pick up any other minor faults that could prove lethal in winter.

"Also, we would suggest having the radiator checked for anti-freeze as driving in winter without this can cause serious and costly damage."