Police have warned motorists to take extra care when driving over the Easter Bank Holiday following the series of accidents on the fog-bound M40.

More foggy weather is expected over the weekend and police want to prevent further accidents as severe traffic congestion is expected in and around Oxfordshire.

Yesterday, the motorway was brought to a five-hour standstill after a collision between a van and a motorcycle at 7am near Lewknor. Two people were killed.

Police closed the southbound carriageway and in the mayhem that followed, dozens more collisions took place as people slowed to avoid the initial accident. The carriageway was not reopened until 6.30pm.

The Met Office predicted fine weather today and tomorrow, with fog possible in the morning and at night, and wet weather on Sunday and Monday.

Thames Valley Police have given the following advice to motorists:

Plan your route before setting out.

Prepare an alternative route in case of unexpected delays.

When planning routes build in rest stops.

Allow extra time for journeys.

Maintain a safe braking distance before the vehicle ahead.

In fog, maintain a sensible speed, use fog lights and allow extra braking distance.

Thames Valley Police said the busiest times to travel are