Police are again asking motorists to take precautions as sleet and heavy snow is expected in Gloucestershire.

Forecasts say sleet is expected late this evening and snow overnight.

Sergeant for traffic management and road safety at Gloucestershire Police, Lucy Smith: "We are set to see the snow coming back so I'm asking motorists to remember the well-established safety tips.

"Think about whether your journey is vital, and if not, try to re-arrange it. If you do set out, let a relative know where you are going and make sure your car is capable of the trip, with tyres correctly inflated.

"To be completely prepared, pack a spade, a flask of hot drink, a torch, blanket, appropriate outdoor clothing, and your mobile phone.

"If the worst happens and you do find yourself stuck, stay with your vehicle. Leaving the engine running in deep snow could block the exhaust and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.

"Look at your lights and see if they are clean and working properly. Make sure that anti-freeze is added to the radiator and that your screen wash is of the right concentration.

"It goes without saying that you should slow down on icy or snowy roads and leave a bigger gap between you and the car in front. Know your route and listen to local radio or look online before you set out.

"We will of course help motorists who get into difficulties as the weather turns, but following the common sense advice could help avoid trouble altogether."

Meanwhile, Gloucestershire County Council's gritters are out around the county.

The 34-strong team of gritters will be treating all A, B and some C roads and routes to emergency services such as hospitals and fire stations twice this afternoon to prepare for the bad weather.

They will also be going out again overnight as the snowfall increases.

While the council said it will do all it can to keep the main roads clear of ice and snow, driving conditions will be difficult and motorists are advised to take extreme care.

People who have to make journeys early tomorrow morning are advised to plan their journey and allow extra time.

Updates will be posted on Twitter via @GlosHighways. Twitter users can use the hashtag #grittertwitter for the very latest on the highway winter response.

Cllr Will Windsor Clive, cabinet member responsible for roads, said: "Our teams will be out all around the county this afternoon treating the roads before the snow hits and ahead of the evening rush hour.

"We are expecting the snow to continue through the night, so driving conditions tomorrow morning may be difficult.

"In bad weather, Gloucestershire County Council does all it can to keep the roads free of ice and snow but I would urge drivers to be responsible and take greater care if they need to be out and about."

The council has bigger salt supplies than ever at this time of year after opening two new salt domes – at Cannop and Stroudwater depots - which are fully operational.

The two new domes have boosted salt levels from 9,600 last year to just over 11,000 tonnes this winter.

People planning to attend the library consultation event in Lechlade Library tomorrow should check the library is open before setting off as the event may need to be postponed.