MEMBERS of the public who do not need to travel today are being urged to stay indoors by Gwent Police.

The force are also asking for the public's assistance to ensure that emergency numbers are only used to report 'emergencies', where there is a threat to life.Chief superintendent Nigel Russell said, "I would like to reassure the public that essential services are being maintained by Gwent Police. The Force has planned for exactly the type of weather conditions that we are seeing today; for example we have brought in extra 4x4s, patrols have been planned according to the conditions and staff are available to deal with emergencies."We are asking the public to help us and themselves by keeping safe and warm by staying indoors. If your journey is absolutely necessary please heed the following advice."- Make sure you have sufficient fuel for your journey. Keep the fuel tank topped up. - Give yourself extra time for your journey and drive at a constant speed. Accept your journey will take longer and don't take risks. - Take a mobile telephone with you and make sure it is fully charged. Carry a mobile charger in the car. - Wear comfortable shoes, not thick boots, which can be difficult to drive in. Keep warm clothing and footwear in the car in case you get stuck or need to get out of the car, and carry a thermos flask and high energy snacks such as chocolate so you can have a hot drink and something to eat. - Make sure all your car lights are working and you have no failed bulbs. Ensure that dirt, salt and snow is cleared away from light fixtures. - Always ensure all windows are fully cleared of snow, frost and condensation before setting off on a journey - it is illegal to drive with obscured vision. - Also clear snow from the top of the car as this can fall down and obscure your windscreen while you are driving. - Keep windscreen washer fluid topped up as windscreens quickly become dirty from traffic spray and salt from the roads. - If you get stuck stay with your car, but in an emergency if do need to leave it, park it out of the main traffic route, where it won't cause an obstruction when conditions ease. Leave a contact number on the inside of the windscreen and return to your car at the first opportunity you have.