Travel with care

With the ongoing adverse winter weather still hitting large parts of the country, Transport Scotland is urging travellers that if they must travel, to make robust journey plans in advance.

Fleets of vehicles and armies of staff in local authorities and Transport Scotland's operating companies are working around the clock to keep roads as free from snow and ice as possible.

Those efforts are backed up by staff at Traffic Scotland and Traveline Scotland who are making every effort to keep travellers informed of any delays on public transport networks.

Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson said:

"Thousands of people are working across the country and around the clock to keep our transport networks open in often very difficult circumstances. We thank the public for their co-operation and ask that they continue to play their part too.

"Careful journey planning helps keep drivers and public transport users make informed and up-to-the-minute with all the available information. Follow police advice and if you must travel, then leave extra time to reach your destination."

Chief Constable Kevin Smith, Chair of the ACPOS Road Policing Business Area, added:

"During the winter months and in particular this cold spell, road conditions can be extremely difficult and dangerous. Motorists need to pay extra attention and be prepared to adapt to changing conditions. Even the most experienced motorists can find themselves getting into difficulties when the roads are icy or covered in snow. Our advice is to consider if your journey is absolutely necessary and if you must drive then ensure that you and your car are adequately prepared for the journey ahead.

"Police Forces throughout the country will be working closely with local authorities and Transport Scotland to provide members of the public with the most up to date information available. National and local radio, television and press should be checked for information and updates are also available on the Transport Scotland website."

Journey planning information is available at Traffic Scotland and Traveline Scotland; I-phone users can download a free travel app that gives them access to all this information.

Drivers should follow four key steps for safe winter driving:

• Check the weather forecast and road conditions
• Consider if you need to travel at all or can wait until weather improves
• Consider alternative routes
• Consider alternative modes of transport

Motorists can also check ACPOS site which has a dedicated page with winter driving advice: http://www.acpos.police.uk/roadsafety/