FALLING temperatures have led to warnings for South Devon's roads tonight.

Torbay Council's gritters are expected to be on the roads early tomorrow, and Devon County Council says ice, frost or snow is expected and salting is planned.

Untreated roads may be hazardous.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "An area of showers will clear southeastwards on Friday afternoon and evening, clearing skies allowing a widespread frost to form. This will lead to a risk of ice on roads though into Saturday morning. The public aware advised to be aware of potentially hazardous driving conditions and the risk of disruption to transport."

While the past few weeks have seen unseasonably mild weather across the country, temperatures are set to drop by this weekend reaching as low as -5C overnight.

Road surface temperatures are expected to reach as low as -2 in parts of the county overnight, but it will drop below freezing right across Devon.

Gritters will be out on Devon’s major roads tonight treating around 1,700 miles of the main salting network from around 6pm and again at midnight in case forecast wintry showers wash the salt off of the roads.

Road users are being advised to take care in case roads become icy.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: “The mix of rain, sleet and freezing conditions means that road users must be aware that conditions on the county’s roads may be icy, even on treated roads. It’s expected that cold conditions will continue into the weekend so I would appeal for everyone to take care, particularly overnight."

Motorists are reminded of the following advice:

• Avoid overnight travel unless absolutely essential as roads will always be more hazardous at night with less traffic and colder temperatures;

• Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;

• Allow additional time for your journey and reduce your speed;

• Drive with care and according to the conditions;

• If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell;

• Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.