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."