There were multiple crashes across west Dorset last night due to black ice on the roads.

Call handlers for the police and fire service received many calls about crashes, prompting a warning. 

Drivers were asked to consider whether or not journeys were essential. 

A police spokesman said: "The wet weather followed by the cold has led to very icy conditions on the roads tonight. 

"We are receiving multiple road traffic collisions throughout west Dorset. Please consider whether or not your journey is essential. If you do need to travel, please drive with extra care."

There were reports of poor conditions on the A3066 between Bridport and Beaminster, with a collision taking place near Melplash earlier in the evening. 

Extremely icy roads were reported near Mosterton, Corscombe, Broadwindsor and Marshwood at the time of writing.

The A37 was closed and emergency services were at the scene of a crash between Dorchester and Yeovil for a number of hours.

A Dorset Council spokesman said: "Despite roads already being gritted, puddles and standing water are turning to black ice, making the roads extremely treacherous.

"We have been out gritting since 1pm and will continue gritting major routes through overnight.

"Only travel if absolutely necessary and if you do need to travel, take great care."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

  • Dorset Council highways teams are out gritting the roads tonight  Picture: Dorset Council

A severe cold weather alert has been issued for Dorset as temperatures start to plunge.

A spokesman for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "Fire control operators and firefighters have been dealing with multiple road traffic collisions this evening.

"Colleagues across the emergency services are busy too as the roads in Dorset and Wiltshire are treacherous. If you don't need to go out, please don't. If you must travel, please take extra care - there is lots of black ice on the roads.

"Council colleagues are working hard to grit the roads, but it's safer just to stay at home."

The spokesman added: "The roads are very icy out there this evening. The minor roads are not salted and even the main routes can still have patches of ice."

The Met Office has issued an amber warning from 9am on Monday, January 16, until 9am on Friday, January 20.

A yellow warning for ice is in place for Tuesday morning.