MORE heavy downpours are forecast by the Met Office this afternoon and police are urging motorists to drive with caution.

Heavy rain could cause water to collect on the roads and localised flash flooding across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin - with motorists being advised not to make unnecessary journeys if this happens.

If they must drive, they should make sure they are prepared for the conditions and adjust their driving to suit the wet conditions.

When preparing to drive in heavy rain it is important to follow the advice from the thinkroadsafety.gov.uk website and do the following: * Check the local and national weather forecasts.

* Listen to the local and national radio for travel information.

* Tell someone at your destination what time you expect to arrive.

* Remember that in wet weather stopping distances are at least double those required for stopping on dry roads.

* Keep well back from the vehicle in front, so you have the time and distance to break safely.

* If steering becomes unresponsive it probably means the water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.

* Remember the rain and spray from vehicles makes it difficult to see and be seen, so adjust your speed and drive more slowly and use your headlights.

Driving too quickly in wet weather can lead to serious injury and fatal collisions. Motorists can help avoid becoming involved in collisions by reducing their speed and driving with more caution and consideration.

Sergeant John Roberts, the force's casualty reduction manager said: "When driving in heavy rain and wet conditions motorists should drive slowly and allow extra room to slow down and stop.

"If you come across a flooded road to do not attempt to cross as you cannot judge how the deep the water will get and what hidden hazards may be under the water.

"Our advice to motorists is to find an alternative route and not to drive through a flood. Six inches of fast flowing water can knock you over and two feet of water will float your car. "

He added last weekend a lot of motorists drove too quickly through flood water, creating a bow wave which washed back over the car, causing more breakdowns.

"If water has collected on the road drive through it carefully to minimise your chances of losing control and aquaplaning. Always check your brakes after driving through water to ensure they are still in good working order."

For further information call the Flood Line on 0845 988 1188 or visit the Met Office website www.metoffice.gov.uk.

Environment Agency website www. environment-agency.gov.uk.

For travel advice visit www.highways.gov.uk