This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Winter roads safety message
31/10/2002
The travelling public are being advised to take sensible
precautions when making journeys during the winter.
Deputy Transport Minister Lewis Macdonald repeated
messages delivered by Assistant Chief Constable of Central
Scotland, Norma Graham, at an event at Stirling castle this
morning.
Mr Macdonald said:
"I would encourage the public to play their part in
making sure they follow advice from the police and motoring
organisations when preparing for winter travel.
"The hard work being done by the contractors in
partnership with local authorities will ensure that
Scottish road users receive the best possible service. The
winter maintenance plans that are in place will be
constantly monitored to make sure everything possible is
done to ensure the highest level of service.
"No-one can predict the worst bouts of winter weather
which unfortunately means that sometimes the police have to
take the decision on safety grounds to shut particular
routes. But public safety is paramount and the co-operation
between the police, the contractors and the councils will
ensure minimum disruption to the transport network."
ACC Graham, who has policing responsibility for
strategic road networks in Scotland, said:
"As winter fast approaches we will have less daylight
hours, and adverse weather conditions to contend with. As
such I would remind motorists that they must play their
part in keeping Scotland's roads safe this winter.
"Now is the time to be checking your tyre tread levels
and that your lights are working. Keep your window washers
topped up regularly, and make sure that you have an ice
scraper for those frosty mornings.
"Drivers, if you have to make that journey then make
sure that both you and your vehicle are prepared for
adverse weather, and that you plan ahead and allow plenty
of time. The Police work in partnership with motoring
organisations, Local Authorities, Contractors, the Scottish
Executive and the media to ensure that whenever possible,
drivers are advised of traffic problems timeously so make
sure you listen to traffic updates before you set off.
"Finally, drive according to the prevailing conditions.
Think about your speed, the weather, your surroundings,
take account of other vehicular and pedestrian traffic and
remember it's better to arrive at your destination a few
minutes late, than not at all."
Alan MacKenzie, Chief Executive of BEAR Scotland,
said:
"In addition to our £5.8 million of investment, we have
built stronger relationships and partnerships with many
local authorities throughout the north east and north
west.
"We also have a team of determined and experienced
people who are based and live in the communities they
serve. It is this combination of local knowledge,
relationships, partnerships and investment that makes me
confident we can deliver.
"However, it is important to remember that the north of
Scotland can experience severe weather conditions, which
can sometimes be insurmountable.
"We will constantly be working with not just the
Scottish Executive and local authorities but many other
organisations and it is essential that motorists play their
part by being aware of the conditions and following the
latest advice."
Ian Bruce, Operations Manager for Amey Highways in
Scotland, said:
"The winter maintenance season is already upon us with
Amey Highways' teams having been in action during the
extremely cold temperatures experienced on a number of
evenings over the last two weeks.
"Months of advance preparation and planning have
therefore gone into this year's winter maintenance
programme, building on the experiences of managing and
maintaining these same motorways and trunk roads last
winter.
"Throughout this winter season, Amey Highways will
continue to co-operate closely with the Scottish Executive
and local authorities, as well as with the police and the
motoring organisations."
Sue Nicholson, Head of Campaigns and Policy for the RAC,
said:
"Scotland's weather can be unpredictable and drivers'
expectations should not be unrealistic but they can play
their part in the process too - by paying attention to
traffic information and acting on the advice given.
"Each year some motorists compound winter problems by
neglecting the maintenance of their vehicles. A little time
in preparation now can avoid delays for themselves and
other road users during the worst spells."
Neil Greig, a spokesman for the AA, said:
"It is essential for motorists to drive responsibly and
heed advice on travelling when the weather conditions are
at their worst.
"Every year thousands of Scots are rescued by the AA
because they have failed to take basic precautions or
prepare their cars for the winter weather. A few basic
checks and a small amount of time spent pre-planning a
journey during the worst weather could save a lot of hassle
for drivers, emergency services and breakdown organisations
alike."