HAMPSHIRE Constabulary has teamed up with the county council in an attempt to keep road users safe this winter.

Motorists across the county will be reminded of the hazards of travelling in rain, snow, fog and ice during this year's winter information campaign.

As part of this campaign, officers from the force's roads policing unit were at Fleet Motorway Services, on the northbound M3, from 10.30am on Monday. During the roadshow, they offered safe driving advice and gave away ice scrapers so people have no excuse not to clear their windscreens.

Inspector Peter Hughes, of Hampshire Constabulary's roads policing team, said: "It takes five minutes to prepare a vehicle, and that preparation could mean the difference between life and death.

"Driving in hazardous conditions, particularly with restricted vision, means any driver is putting themselves, and other road users, at risk."

In addition to this, motorists are also being advised to keep their distance, manoeuvre gently and use a high gear in icy conditions, use the correct lights when it is foggy and carry a pair of sunglasses to protect against the bright winter sun.

But it is not just drivers who need to take special precautions. Ernie Sage, Hampshire County Council's road safety manager, also has safety advice for cyclists and pedestrians.

"In the dark, you can't assume motorists can see you, so make sure you wear something reflective and, if you are a cyclist, use your lights."