DRIVERS are being warned of potentially treacherous conditions on Suffolk's roads later tonight.

DRIVERS are being warned of potentially treacherous conditions on Suffolk's roads later tonight.

Weather forecasters suggested freezing rain could be on the way - rain which freezes as soon as it hits the rock-hard ground.

This is particularly difficult for gritters to cope with and could make roads even more treacherous with areas of black ice which could catch drivers unaware.

Last night temperatures in Suffolk fell as low as minus eight degrees Celsius in the Bildeston area and sharp frosts are forecast throughout the week, including the Christmas period itself.

That could mean the gritters are out on the roads on Christmas Day in an attempt to keep all routes passable.

Suffolk County Council gritting manager Mike Young said: “Temperatures might get above freezing leading to a slight thaw during the daytime, but by 3pm temperatures have fallen below zero again and any snow which has melted then forms into ice.

“There really is no sign of any end to this cold spell, it looks set to continue over Christmas.”