Public urged to plan ahead for severe weather
Transport Resilience partners are asking the public to plan ahead this week, with snow and ice anticipated to impact the transport network across Scotland.
Yellow Weather Warnings for snow and ice are in place for large parts of Scotland until Thursday 18 January. As such, the transport network is likely to be impacted, with commuters and drivers being urged to plan ahead and check their route is passable before they travel, to allow extra time for journeys, and to consider working from home if they can.
The latest warnings are available here: UK weather warnings - Met Office
The Multi Agency Response Team at the Traffic Scotland National Control Centre (TSNCC) is up and running from South Queensferry to provide a coordinated transport response across Scotland, monitoring conditions, agreeing and updating travel advice, and providing support to partners, as required.
Stein Connelly, Head of Transport Resilience (Operations) at Transport Scotland said:
“We’re working closely with our colleagues at the Met Office and transport operators to understand the impact of snow and ice across Scotland. We’re well prepared, and have well established plans in place which are now in effect.
"This cold snap is already causing difficult driving conditions in the current warning areas, with further severe impacts anticipated on Tuesday as part of the existing warnings. It’s important that anyone that has to travel during the warning period plans their journey in advance and allows extra time. Police Scotland’s official travel advice is likely to change at short notice, so it’s important people check the news and follow social media accounts for the latest advice.
“If you have to travel, please drive to the conditions. Consider what kit you might need to keep in your car in the event of those difficult conditions. There may also be disruption on other modes of transport, so please check with your transport operator before setting off if you’re planning to travel by rail, ferry or air.
“Local radio stations and other broadcast media are providing updates. People can check with Traffic Scotland to make sure that their route is available. The new Traffic Scotland website gives people access to the latest travel information and the Traffic Scotland twitter page is also updated regularly.”
Snow and ice will lead to difficult driving conditions, such as reduced visibility and blocked routes on localised roads. Road Operating Companies are already carrying out treatments, mobilising equipment, and have plenty of salt supplies in stock.
Chief Superintendent Hilary Sloan, Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing said: “Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary during this latest spell of severe weather or if it can be delayed until conditions improve. If you absolutely have to travel, please drive to the conditions, be prepared for delays and allow extra time for your journey. Please don’t drive through road closures, the decision to close roads is not taken lightly and is done for public safety.”
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page said: “Where and how much snow we will get will vary throughout the week and weather warnings could change quickly, you will need to keep an eye on the forecast for your region for the latest information.
“There will be widespread frost this week and we could see some fairly deep laying snow in parts of Scotland and strong winds could result in drifting or blizzard conditions at times. The snow and ice will be disruptive and could potentially impact travel plans, make driving dangerous and pavements slippery.
“It will feel bitterly cold with daytime temperatures in the low single figures for many, and overnight temperatures will fall to -3 or -4 in many towns and cities, and it will be even colder in many rural areas.”