Driving Home (For) Christmas Travel Message [UPDATED WITH CORRECTION]
Preparations are underway across the transport network to get people home for Christmas safely.
Operating companies have already started their treatment plans, salt barns are full, and more than 240 gritters stand ready for deployment at 40 depots across the country.
The trunk road network will be monitored by Transport Scotland from the National Traffic Control Centre in South Queensferry, along with key partner agencies like Police Scotland and the Met Office.
While no severe weather warnings are currently in place, the public is being asked to plan ahead and allow extra time this week, giving how busy services and roads will be.
Winter operations include: dedicated snow plans for the M8, M74, M77, M80 and AWPR; improved mitigation, detection and management of ice on the Queensferry Crossing; 497,000 tonnes of salt currently in stock, which is more than was used for the entirety of last winter.
ScotRail has added extra services and more seats to trains across the country in the run-up to Christmas. With Christmas markets, parties, and New Year celebrations getting into full swing. These will support the night-time economy and make it easier for customers to travel safely and sustainably, more information here: https://www.scotrail.co.uk/plan-your-journey/timetables/christmas-and-new-year-train-times and here: Christmas by train | Festive train travel | ScotRail
The Traffic Scotland winter hub and advice on driving in severe weather is available here: Winter driving tips | Traffic Scotland
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop has thanked workers for going above and beyond:
“For many people the next few days are about celebrating, spending time with loved ones and catching up with family, and a well-earned rest. However we know our frontline staff will be out keeping the network moving - often in freezing temperatures and remote locations.
“It’s a fitting time to express our gratitude for everything they do, often under the radar and behind the scenes.
"Although it’s been a fairly normal winter so far, it’s reassuring that our teams and key partner organisations are ready and prepared should the weather take a turn for the worse over the coming weeks."
Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, head of Road Policing at Police Scotland, said:
"As always, we expect the transport network to be busy at this time of year, so I’d urge festive travellers to plan their journey before they set off. Leave more time to get to your destination, follow any travel advice from Police Scotland and drive to the conditions.
"Our roads will be particularly busy over the festive period with many of us travelling to see family and friends. I would encourage drivers to plan their journey in advance particularly if adverse weather is forecast. Please drive to the road conditions and adhere to any travel warnings so you can reach your destination safely.
"It is also important to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and ready for driving in winter conditions. Ensure that you have enough fuel for your journey and your tyres have sufficient tread. It is also important to check your tyre pressures are correct, top up windscreen washers and make sure your lights are clean and working properly."
Mark Ilderton, ScotRail Service Delivery Director, said:
“ScotRail has been operating extra late-night trains on key routes as well as more seats on services across the country, to help everyone make the most of the festive season.
“We’re encouraging everyone who plans to travel during the Christmas and New Year period to check their journey on the ScotRail app or website before they set off as there will be changes to services, including the last trains on Christmas Eve and Hogmanay departing earlier than usual.
"On Boxing Day, we’ll be providing more options for travel across the country with the introduction of services to and from Aberdeen for the first time.”
Douglas Cairns from Transport Scotland said:
"The Traffic Scotland mobile site - my.trafficscotland.org – will have up-to-date information on the trunk roads and you can follow Traffic Scotland on social channels for the very latest. If you are planning to use rail, ferry or air travel, check with your operator for the latest service information. We’d ask people to plan their journeys, with tens of thousands of people expected to use the transport network for their Christmas getaway over the coming days.
“I’d also like to take the opportunity to thank staff across our transport network who work around the clock to help keep Scotland moving over the festive period. Their hard work and dedication is very much appreciated.”
“Planning your journey will help make sure you reach your destinations in good time, which is especially important for people travelling home for festive celebrations.”