The Mid and West Wales Fire Service is urging drivers to only travel if necessary and to be properly prepared during the present cold snap.

Drivers are advised to check road conditions with Traffic Wales, on local radio and news websites and to make sure their car is adequately stocked.

They should have an emergency kit including a warm coat or blanket, a pair of boots, a well-charged mobile phone, a shovel, a flask of hot drink and high energy food in their car.

Motorists should also allow more time for their journey and take extra care.

A spokesman for the authority said that the emergency control room in Carmarthen has seen an increase in the number of requests for assistance, particularly in road traffic collisions.

The fire service said it is continuing to work very closely with the other ´blue light´ services; with local authorities and with agencies, such as the Met Office.

“The crews have been working hard and are able to deal with these calls despite the conditions,” said the spokesman.

“They are continuing to deliver a first class service to the communities they serve.”