Travel safely into icy New Year, advises Minister

SCOTLAND WELL-PREPARED FOR CONTINUING FREEZE BUT EXTRA CARE NEEDED

The country’s transport network is continuing to cope in the face of plummeting temperatures thanks to the dedication of workers keeping things moving, says Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson.

As freezing conditions and high winds were predicted to take us into the New Year, Mr Stevenson praised the 24-hour operations to keep traffic moving over the festive period. And he called on the public to take extra care when out and about, particularly over Hogmanay when temperatures in the main cities are not expected to get above minus 3C and in rural areas where minus 8C will be the norm.

Mr Stevenson said:

“Our roads are expected to be extremely busy in the next 24 hours as we celebrate the new year. It is therefore vitally important that the public take extra care to minimise the risk of accidents.

"The freezing temperatures throughout the country and strong winds across the north and north east mean it will feel exceptionally cold with the possibility of black ice on untreated roads and pavements.

“Gritting operations will continue around the clock and there are substantial salt stocks around the country with supplies about to be replenished. Traffic Scotland, the traffic management service, is working in tandem with the emergency services to keep Scotland moving as we witness continued freezing temperatures.

“I would like to pay tribute to the continued work of those involved in keeping our roads clear, operating rail, continuing our ferry services and manning our airports, all of whom have been working round the clock during the festive period to keep Scotland moving.”