Motorists across Shropshire and Mid Wales were today urged to take extra care on the roads after a spate of accidents in icy conditions.

The warning from West Midlands Ambulance Service comes after more than 40 people were injured when two buses slid off icy roads in Gloucestershire.

A coach, believed to be carrying 30 army personnel, crashed into a tree, leaving three people in a critical condition, while a minibus with 14 passengers also crashed with one person suffering serious injuries and 11 “walking wounded”. 

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In Telford there were several accidents although no one was injured.

Drivers faced delays after a lamppost was knocked over in a crash in Wellington Road, Horsehay, at 6.30am.

Jenny McGregor, of Telford & Wrekin Council, said the lamppost was removed, while gritting lorries were out on all A and B roads and emergency service access roads, as well as main routes into borough centres.

A car veered off the road on the westbound carriageway of the A5, between West Cluddley and Preston, at 7am today, ending up on the verge facing the wrong way.

Emergency crews were called to an accident on the junction of the B4380 and A4169 at Buildwas when a car overturned just after 8am.

And a man in his 20s escaped unhurt after his car overturned on the B5026 Mucklestone Road between Knighton and Loggerheads shortly before 7.30am today.

Chris Kowalik, ambulance service spokesman, said: “Drivers should ensure all windows have been defrosted before setting off; slow down, and leave a larger gap between the vehicle in front.”