The required gear consists primarily of winter tyres, in the absence of which drivers must carry snow chains in the vehicle.

Drivers who have neither winter tyres nor chains face a fine of EUR 40, which grows to EUR 500 if they cause delays for other drivers by getting stuck in snow.

Moreover, drivers must also ensure that they clear their vehicles of snow and ice before hitting the road.

Police also suggest that drivers check weather conditions before setting off in the winter months and keep in mind that trips will take longer than usual.

Meanwhile, Slovenia's winter services said they were fully ready for the winter.

A total of 410 snow ploughs, nearly 400 gritters and 650 other winter service vehicles are ready for deployment on regional roads, while motorway company DARS has around 270 winter service vehicles ready to keep the motorways passable in the winter months.