POLICE are advising motorists to avoid using the A1 motorway in County Durham after a series of accidents on both north and southbound carriageways.

Although the road has been well-gritted, the extreme sub-zero temperatures are severely reducing the effectiveness of the grit.

Police are currently dealing with several collisions, most of which involve lorries jacknifing across the motorway.

Acting Supt Andy Huddleston said: "Even though the gritting lorries have been out the temperature is around minus eight, which means the grit is not having the desired effect.

"The conditions are absolutely treacherous and we would strongly advise anyone thinking of using the A1 to just avoid it.

"Some of the lorries involved are registered abroad and it's possible the drivers are assuming the road surface, especially in the outside lanes has been treated with the same materials used across Europe.

"They are then struggling to adapt to the different conditions in the UK."