Travel
Scots urged to plan ahead before travelling amid ‘severe’ snow and ice warnings
Scots have been urged to plan ahead before travelling as three snow and ice warnings remain in place across the country.
Traffic Scotland chaired a severe weather call with Road Operating Companies, the Met Office and Police Scotland over the weekend ahead of many people returning to work after the festive break.
It comes after the Met Office issued weather warnings for snow and ice for most of Scotland.
A spokesperson for Transport Scotland urged people to check their vehicle to ensure it is winter-ready before travelling in the “severe” weather warnings.
“Our Road Operating Companies are set to activate specific snow plans, which means extra staff, equipment and double treatments in impacted areas,” they said.
“Traffic Scotland continue to push out latest travel advice via social media, radio and variable messaging signage. They have also contacted National Highways England to discuss any potential cross border impacts.”
They added: “Please plan ahead, check before you travel, drive to the conditions, and allow extra time for your journeys.”
The first warning for snow came into place at midnight on Sunday and will expire at 12pm on Monday.
Forecasters warned that outbreaks of snow will turn heavier across central Scotland, Strathclyde, the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh, the Lothians as well as Dumfries and Galloway.
A yellow warning for snow and ice was also issued at 9am on Sunday, remaining in place until 6am on Monday.
The warning covers central Scotland, Aberdeenshire, the Highlands, Edinburgh, west Lothian and North Lanarkshire.
The Met Office warned that affected areas could see longer journey times with disruption to roads as well as bus and train services.
It added that some icy patches will form on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, leading to a chance of injury.
A second yellow warning for snow and ice came into place across more northern parts of the country from 12pm on Sunday and will expire at 11am on Monday.
The warning covers the Highlands, Dumfries and Galloway, and parts of Strathclyde.
It comes after amber warnings for snow were issued for parts of England, Wales and Ireland.
Roads as well as air and rail travel were plunged into chaos as heavy snow created dangerous conditions.
Met Office chief forecaster Frank Saunders said: “Cold conditions in Scotland will continue, with snow showers in many coastal areas, and more persistent snow for a time in the southeast.”
Forecasters warned of potential disruption to travel in the areas covered by the warnings.
ScotRail advised people to check their journeys before travelling.
It said: “Yellow weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across the country until midday on Monday January 6.
“If you’re planning to to travel, check your entire journey using our app or website as delays & alterations to services are possible.
“Take care when out and about.”
Network Rail Scotland said it has made preparations to deal with the weather.
In a post on X, it said: “We’re expecting snow move into central Scotland this morning, light initially, but getting heavier. It’ll continue into the evening.
“We’ll see heavy snow across the lines out of Inverness tonight and overnight. A normal service is operating today.
“Locomotives with ploughs are standing by at strategic locations, ready to clear tracks if it’s needed.
“Snow showers remain likely across parts of the West Highland Line and lines out of Inverness for the first half of the week.”
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