Motorist caught driving snow-covered vehicle as wintry weather hits

A motorist has been caught driving a snow-covered car with just a small square of windscreen cleared.

The driver was stopped by police on the A9 at Thurso, Caithness, in the Highlands in the early hours of Tuesday as snow and sleet fell across parts of the country.

The car’s rear and side windows were completely covered with snow while only a small area had been cleared on the front windscreen.

Police issued the driver with a fixed penalty notice and warned other motorists to clear snow and ice from their vehicles before setting off.

They posted pictures of the snowy car on social media and said: “Winter has been biting for most of us this week, which means it is more important than ever that your vehicle is suitably prepared for the roads.

“Unfortunately not everyone follows this advice – officers on patrol stopped this car which was being driven on the #A9 at #Thurso in the early hours of this morning.

“Appropriate action has been taken against the driver in relation to road traffic offences.

“It is important before you set off to make sure your windows are clean, properly demisted and clear of all snow and ice before you drive.”

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings of snow and ice for most of the UK on Tuesday into Wednesday.

Up to 10cm of snow could fall at higher levels in some areas, with one to two cms expected on lower ground.

Forecasters said a band of rain will push from west to east which could fall as rain, sleet or snow, particularly at peaks in Wales and northern England and Scotland.

As the day progresses the wintry weather will move across the Midlands and into the South East.

Snow showers could return on Wednesday and there is a risk of further disruptive snow and ice to parts of the country towards the end of the week.

Motorists faced difficult driving conditions on Tuesday morning as snow and sleet fall in some areas.

Traffic Scotland tweeted that snow was falling on parts of the M80 and M77 on Tuesday morning while Amey reported snow on the M8, M9 and A7.

In the Highlands, 10 schools were closed on Tuesday due to bad weather.