AMBER WARNING FOR HEAVY RAIN – PLAN AHEAD FOR TRAVEL

The warning will come into force at one o’clock this afternoon and accumulations of rainfall will build over the next 24 hours. There is a risk of significant disruption overnight and during Friday morning.

As a result, Transport Scotland and our partners, including the local authorities, SEPA and Police Scotland are closely monitoring the situation to make sure that we are well prepared for the conditions and we are activating our Multi Agency Response Team at the National Traffic Control Centre in South Queensferry.

Our Operating Companies stand ready to respond to incidents on the trunk roads if required and we are in contact with travel operators including ferry companies.

Transport Minister, Keith Brown said:

“The heavy rain may lead to some disruption on local roads and to ferry services over the next couple of days, especially at peak times.

“With the conditions we can also expect to see flooding in some areas and road users should be prepared before they set off on their journeys. While we will do everything we can to mitigate the impacts of the conditions, people travelling should be prepared and plan their journeys accordingly.

“Our Multi Agency Response Team will be monitoring the conditions from our control centre and the Traffic Scotland twitter feed @trafficscotland and website www.trafficscotland.org will have the latest information on conditions across the country.”

Chief Inspector Louise Blakelock, Police Scotland said:

"Road Policing crews will be patrolling the trunk roads and other priority routes to keep people safe during this period - please follow our advice to travel with extra caution."

Notes to editors

Background

Transport Minister, Keith Brown will be giving a statement on Winter Resilence to Parliament at 14.30.

For SEPA live flood updates see www.sepa.org.uk/floodupdates or call Floodline 0345 988 1188.

To sign up for free local Flood Warnings and regional Alerts, or for more information and advice on preparing for flooding, use SEPA’s Floodline site www.floodlinescotland.org.uk or call Floodline 0345 988 1188

The Scottish Government’s Ready for Winter campaign, delivered in partnership with the British Red Cross, provides the public with a range of advice and information on preparing for winter weather. Further information is available at www.readyscotland.org

For real time journey information visit www.trafficscotland.org, follow @trafficscotland on Twitter or call 0800 028 14 14.

For Weather Alerts, including the Chief Forecaster's Assessment and a map showing the areas included in the Alerts, go to http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings/

Rail, ferries and air users should check with individual service operators’ websites.


Published 6 Nov 2014