MOTORISTS endured icy conditions as they attempted to brave the county's snow-smattered roads today.Dozens of vehicles skidded on the road's surfaces and the A137 at Tattingstone being compared to “an ice rink”.

MOTORISTS endured icy conditions as they attempted to brave the county's snow-smattered roads today.

Dozens of vehicles skidded on the road's surfaces and the A137 at Tattingstone being compared to “an ice rink”.

By 4.30am Suffolk Constabulary issued warnings for the east and south of Suffolk stating ice had already formed on the roads and snow was falling leading to dangerous driving conditions.

Shortly before 6am today a car and a lorry collided on the A14 at Sproughton and despite nobody being injured traffic was slowed as a diesel spillage was cleared.

On the A12 at Wickham Market a vehicle skidded and crashed in the fast lane of the Lowestoft-bound carriageway causing tailbacks at 8am.

On the A137 at Tattingstone a woman skidded off the road and hit a lamppost shortly before 8am.

The woman was unharmed but reported to police that the road was “like an ice rink”.

Police continued with their warnings today stating motorists should keep their speed down and extend the distance between them and the vehicle in front.

Anna Woolnough, spokeswoman for the police, said: “In bad weather it is important that drivers take all of the measures that they can to ensure their own safety and that of other road users.

“Firstly it is important that your vehicle in good road worthy condition and people should check the tread on their tyres, the brakes work well and lights work and are clean and working.

“People should top up with fuel in case of lengthy delays.

“They should drive defensively and reduce their speed to suit the conditions.

“Keep following distances to a maximum and allow plenty of time to stop. Also be prepared for the unexpected especially on back roads where a tree or branch could have fallen or a patch of ice could be around the next corner.”

Ken Williamson, area divisional officer for the Fire and Rescue Service in Suffolk, said: “There have been a number of road accidents in the county since the ice came although most of the accidents have been minor shunts and people haven't been hurt.

“If people do have an accident or break down they should make sure they get to a position of safety.

“This may mean leaving their vehicle but safety is always braving the cold.

“They should then contact police and other any other emergency services needed.”

The Met Office warned that another icy night was due tonight in the region but that temperatures would rise by tomorrow meaning conditions would become better.