As fog continues to blanket Oxfordshire, an investigation by the Oxford Mail has revealed many motorists are not switching on their rear fog lights - while some drivers are not even using headlights.

Police have warned that motorists who drive without using their headlights risk being fined.

During a 15-minute period yesterday afternoon, we monitored vehicles on the A34 from the bridge over the dual carriageway at South Hinksey, near Oxford.

Visibility was extremely poor, as the foggy weather continued to linger.

Of the 747 vehicles counted going northbound, 168 (22.48 per cent) had no rear fog lights on.

And 33 cars (4.42 per cent) did not even have their headlights on - making it almost impossible for other drivers to spot them in the gloom.

Police are warning motorists that driving a vehicle without working lights could lead to a £30 fixed penalty - and a possible court appearance.

Sgt Bill Sykes, of Abingdon roads policing department, said: "In this weather, we advise all motorists to take every precaution necessary."

AA spokesman Kate Maybank said: "It's shocking that many drivers are not using lights at all. If they were to have an accident in the fog with no lights on, I'm sure their insurance policies would not cover them. We are trying to raise awareness of difficult driving conditions, but it is the choice of the individual driver whether they wish to use that advice."

The lack of care by drivers in our county has also outraged the emergency services.

Dave Etheridge, spokesman for Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Each and every driver has a responsibility to themselves and everyone else on the road.

"And while the county council fire service will always endeavour to educate people on how to drive carefully, people must take their own responsibility seriously."

Helen Robinson, spokesman for the South Central Ambulance Service, said: "There's no reason whatsoever to not turn your fog lights on in poor visibility conditions.

"The ambulance service is working hard to respond to emergency calls on the roads at a time when there is a high risk of accidents. But the number of these calls could be dramatically decreased if people take proper care on the road."

Fog was forecast to linger today, but expected to lift by tomorrow.