Roads braced for severest test with more snow on way
●Minister tells motorists not to attempt journeys after travel warning upgraded
Transport minister Humza Yousaf has warned more snow and ice will test Scotland’s roads network to its limits as the nation braced itself for more heavy snow.
Mr Yousaf’s warning came as he apologised to motorists who were stranded overnight on the M74 and Police Scotland upgraded its travel warnings, advising motorists not to take to the roads.
The Met Office yesterday said much of Scotland would be affected by snow and ice through to tomorrow and an amber weather warning was issued for the south of the country.
Amber warnings are issued if there is an increased chance of weather disrupting travel, interrupting power or causing potential risk to property or life.
Police Scotland upgraded its travel warning from stage three to stage four in 11 local authority areas across central and southern Scotland. A stage four warning means that drivers are advised against travelling. The last time a stage four warning was issued was for the high winds of December 2013.
The warnings were issued after skidding HGVS brought the M74 to a standstill on Tuesday, leaving around
200 motorists trapped in their vehicles overnight. Some drivers reported being stranded for 12 hours. The Moffat Mountain Rescue team was called in to check on drivers as they waited in their vehicles, unable to move.
Disruption was not confined to the roads. All schools in the Borders were closed due to the weather, while 16 secondary schools, 58 primaries and 44 nurseries in the Highlands were shut.
Around 20 schools in Dumfries and Galloway and 28 schools and nurseries in South Lanarkshire were also closed. All prelim exams scheduled to take place in North Lanarkshire secondary schools today have been postponed.
In response to an urgent question tabled by Labour in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Yousaf apologised to those stuck on the motorway.
Addressing MSPS, Mr Yousaf said: “Firstly, I want to repeat on record my apology to any driver who was stranded last night in hours of queuing, particularly on the M74.
“That would have been a deeply unpleasant experience, certainly not one that I would have liked to have been in.”
Mr Yousaf said the yellow Met Office warnings, which suggest bad weather is on the way, had been issued for much of Scotland.
The more severe amber warning was in place for Dumfries and Galloway, the Borders, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire, North Lanarkshire, East Renfrewshire, and the southern parts of Edinburgh and the Lothians from 9pm last night to 5am today.
Mr Yousaf said Scotland had faced “extremely challenging weather” which had not been seen for a number of years.
“On top of the amber warning, we are facing wider yellow warnings in terms of snow and ice right across the country. So we are going to be tested to our limit and that is why I believe Police Scotland has taken the decision that they have to raise their travel advice warning from a stage three to a stage four,” the transport minister said.
“We will also be appealing to drivers to heed the warning to avoid all travel on those parts of trunk road network affected by the amber warning. We will also be asking drivers in other parts of the country who are travelling to check the Traffic Scotland website, plan their journey ahead and drive to the conditions.”
Mr Yousaf revealed he had known from the end of last week that severe weather was on its way and he had set up a multi-agency response team. Scottish Government resilience calls had been made to those tasked with dealing with challenging weather, including local authorities.
But last night Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Rumbles claimed the Scottish Government should have been better prepared for the disruption.
Mr Rumbles said: “The transport minister knew this extreme weather was coming and completely failed to prepare for it.
“When people are having to hunker down in their cars overnight, it is clear that the transport minister has been absent from duty.
“The government should have ensured that adequate resources were on hand at the points which forecasters were suggesting would be the worst hit.
“Faced with hundreds of motorists stranded in their cold cars, the sensible thing for the transport minister to do would be to recognise the pressure local authorities are facing and agree to seek additional funds to support gritting and maintenance work.
“This is essential to ensuring that roads are kept safe and the public can go about their business.”
In parliament, Mr Yousaf was asked by the Tory MSP for Dumfriesshire, Oliver Mundell, whether he had considered closing the M74 in advance of the blizzard or restricting HGV use. Seven HGVS had skidded, blocking the southbound carriageway and several other incidents involving lorries had affected the road.
Mr Yousaf said such options had been considered but he had been advised that doing so would have used up too many police resources.
He was also warned that councils were spending more than expected to keep roads clear, with at least five local authorities expected to overspend their winter maintenance budgets.
Mr Yousaf told MSPS that he would be happy to speak to
“When people are having to hunker down in their cars overnight, it is clear that the transport minister has been absent from duty”
MIKE RUMBLES
Liberal Democrat MSP
councils about their budgets. He said: “I completely understand local authorities may well have been stretched this winter. It is for them, of course, to decide how to use their budgets, but my door will be open to a conversation.”
Council areas where the police’s stage four warning was put in place were: Dumfries and Galloway; East Lothian; Edinburgh; Midlothian; Scottish Borders; West Lothian; East Ayrshire; East Renfrewshire; North Lanarkshire; South Ayrshire and South Lanarkshire.
Head of road policing Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle said: “Weather conditions over the last few days have been extremely challenging, and this forecast of even more extreme conditions over the next day or so in these areas mean that we have to advise drivers to avoid travelling, and if they do, to expect severe delays of several hours or more.
“We urge people to think very seriously as to whether their journey is really necessary and is worth the risk, and if they decide they really have to travel, to be fully prepared to be self resilient. If you need medication for example, ensure you have it with you.
“No-one should ever place themselves at risk on the road and it may be worth considering postponing your journey ormakingalternativearrangements, such as delaying travel until conditions improve or using public transport.
“If you are travelling on the roads, you should ensure you and your vehicle are adequately prepared for the conditions, making sure you have sufficient fuel and supplies such as warm clothing, food and water in the event you are delayed for several hours. Charge your mobile phone and plan your route, as well as alternative routes. Listen to media broadcasts, especially local radio, and visit the Traffic Scotland website.”
The police warned motorists if they did travel they could experience delays of several hours. HGV drivers were asked to drive with extreme caution and told they could be requested to park up by police.