Drivers urged to take care as rain causes flooding

Sections of motorways and major roads in the region have been closed because of heavy rain

Drivers in the South West have been urged to take care after heavy rain in the region caused flooding and surface water.

National Highways said several roads had been partly closed and diversions were in place on other routes on Tuesday, with the Met Office warning of more heavy rain to come.

It said people should allow extra time for journeys and check weather conditions before setting off, as well as driving more slowly.

David Britton, South West operations manager for National Highways, said: "If it's time for your wipers, it’s time to slow down."

Mr Britton said roads would be "more slippery than usual, so give yourself more time to react – increase the gap between you and the vehicle in front to at least four seconds".

Sections of the M4 and M5 had been closed because of rain and "weather-related incidents" as well as other major roads, the service said.

"Keeping our roads safe for drivers during difficult weather conditions is a major part of our work and our teams are dealing with a number of weather-related incidents in the region," said Mr Britton.