MOTORISTS are being warned to take care in the icy conditions this morning ahead of what is expected to be the busiest shopping day of the year.

Thousands of people are expected to descend on town centres today ahead of Christmas Eve tomorrow.

But with temperatures not expected to get above minus three today conditions on many of the regions roads are still icy.

Tonight temperatures could drop below minus 10.

Today is also expected to be the busiest for people travelling away to be with family over the festive period.

County Councillor Tim Ashton said: "We've been well prepared for the latest spell of snow and icy weather and have kept traffic moving on the main routes – although with the amount of snow we've had some routes have only been passable with care.

"I'd ask drivers to be careful as some of the main roads remain icy in places despite our gritters having ploughed and salted the main routes a number of times over the weekend.

"Salt only has a limited effect in the very cold temperatures we've been experiencing and, particularly with temperatures plunging as low as minus 13 and below at night, even main roads could be icy."