Drivers put on ‘yellow alert’ for heavy snowfalls

The Met Office has issued yellow warnings of snow for parts of Scotland today.

It said the Highlands, Grampian, Lothian and Borders, south-west Scotland, Central, Tayside and Fife were likely to be affected by sleet and snow.

The Met Office said accumulations of 2cm to 5cm were likely, mainly on ground above 150m, with perhaps 10cm on roads above 300m.

Transport minister Keith Brown said: “Transport Scotland, Traffic Scotland and our resilience team are in regular contact with the Met Office, police, road operating companies and rail operators to ensure that adequate preparations are in place for this weekend.

“Frontline and patrol vehicles are being deployed across the network and on routes that are likely to be affected by snow, gritters will continue to operate until the snow has passed and will be further supported by additional vehicles.

“We stand ready to activate the resilience room and multi-agency response team if required.

“The public should continue to check the travel bulletins or the Traffic Scotland website for the latest advice.”

Aberdeen City Council said its winter maintenance team would be out treating the streets over the weekend.

It added the gritters would be out and the main focus would be on priority routes. Other routes would be treated if and when possible.

Enterprise, planning and infrastructure director Gordon McIntosh said: “During these periods of low temperatures, it’s always important that everyone in the community keeps an eye out for the frail, elderly and vulnerable and do what they can to help, even if it’s just letting us know that someone needs help.

“Of course, the council can help individuals, but as much as we would like to, we can’t do everything for everyone.

“If you have particular concerns about someone’s welfare, please do what you can to help them and let the council know if more help is needed.”

PAUL WILSON