Why roads are closed for hours after accidents
Police outline the challenges they face over safety and investigation
DRIVERS in Argyll have become used to lengthy road closures after serious road accidents.
Particularly in cases where there have been fatalities, roads can be closed by police for anything between six and 12 hours, and occasionally for longer, while investigations are carried out.And while roads such as the A83 are closed, 60plus mile diversions are commonplace.
In this week’s Argyllshire Advertiser letters page – turn to page six – one correspondent asks why such lengthy closures are required.
The Advertiser asked Police Scotland to explain the reasons behind the road closure policy. In a response, fully endorsed by Road Policing Inspector Adam McKenzie from Dumbarton, Lochgil- phead-based Inspector Julie McLeish replied: ‘The primary concern is obviously the safety and wellbeing of anyone involved and other roads users.
‘Once casualties are recovered and removed there is the ongoing challenge of the investigation of the circumstances which led to the incident, making the vehicles involved safe and removing them, clearing the road and making it safe for other roads users. Special- ist officers are often required for investigation and scene management.
‘They may have to come from other areas as, in effect, these can be crime scenes requiring thorough investigation, particularly if serious injury is caused in or, in the worst cases, a fatality.
‘Police Scotland works closely with other road agencies to manage diversions in these cases and we rely on effective media use to get the information out to the public when this does happen.
‘Road closures are avoided whenever possible and, when they do happen, we are always aware of the challenge these cause to other roads users. We also work with partners to look at road crash preventative measures and opportunities such as roads layout or markings.
‘It is widely recognised diversions and closures have a significant impact on everyone, particularly when they are often so lengthy, and the importance of being able to safely re-open roads as quickly as possible is a priority for officers dealing with such incidents.’