Another cold snap has begun in Scotland and eastern England

The lowest daytime temperature, of about 1C (34F), was expected in central Scotland, but worst weather was forecast for later this week.

The Highways Agency, responsible for England's motorways and major roads, said its gritters were standing by to keep main routes open.

North-east England, Yorkshire and East Anglia all had snow showers on Monday.

The south of England is expected to escape the worst of the cold weather.

Standby

A Highways Agency spokeswoman said: "Our gritters and snowclearing teams are on constant standby and our contractors are receiving up-to-the-minute weather reports."

Arctic chills brought treacherous travel conditions across the UK just over three weeks ago as temperatures plunged below freezing.

In late January strong winds reaching up to 90mph hit many parts of the UK.

Flooding was reported in parts of the Midlands and the north east, with heavy snow making life difficult for people living in Scotland and northern England.

In south Wales, a 12-year-old boy died after he and three friends were swept down the swollen River Ebbw near Newport.