'PREPARE your car before you travel' - that's the advice from Cumbria Police during the cold weather.

A police spokesman said: “During the colder months, it’s important to give yourself extra time in the morning to make sure your vehicle is ready for the road.

“On icy mornings make sure your windscreen is clear, if it is not clear, it can dangerously obstruct your view of the road.

"Driving without a clear windscreen is illegal and you can face a fine and three points your licence."

Cumbria Police have also given advice on what we can all do to plan ahead.

A spokesman said: "Use an overnight windscreen shield, a good quality de-icer and also a scraper to speed up the process.

"We advise that you don’t use boiling hot water and even warm water onto your windows, as many windscreens will shatter due to the large difference in temperature.

“Drivers should also stay with their vehicles while waiting for windscreens to clear.

"Please don’t be tempted to leave your car on the driveway with the engine running, in order to prevent any thefts.”