Travellers told to take extra care as Scots roads face further snow

NEW Year travellers have been urged to be cautious while making their way home during the longest unbroken cold snap for decades.

Scottish finance secretary John Swinney said the public should take care as snow and ice continued to make journeys treacherous.

Forecasters predicted further snow showers across northern and eastern Scotland overnight and a continuing risk of ice.

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Mr Swinney also praised local authorities and road operators for their work to help keep Scotland moving over New Year.

"Scotland's Hogmanay celebrations were a huge success, attracting many tens of thousands of people, including overseas visitors.

"This is the longest unbroken cold snap for decades in Scotland and, despite the freezing conditions, our local authorities and trunk road operators are doing a tremendous job keeping as many roads clear as possible.

"Right across the country, local authorities are working together, alongside key suppliers, to ensure salt and grit supplies get to all routes that need them.

"We urge motorists to only travel if necessary and, if they do so, to take extra care on the roads. By doing so, we can ensure that the rest of the New Year weekend is a happy one for everyone."

But Labour called for further assurances from the Scottish Government that there would be enough grit to cope with the continued cold.

Labour transport spokesman Charlie Gordon said there should be continued updates from the government on the reserves of salt available.

He said: "This has been a very challenging period for local authorities and other organisations trying to keep roads open.

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"As another weekend of low temperatures approaches, the public need to get an update on the situation from the Scottish Government and an assurance that help will be given to local authorities to keep Scotland moving.

"The conditions across Scotland have been very difficult and, with poor weather to come, there will be concerns that local councils need assistance from the Scottish Government to ensure that there will be enough salt and grit to keep roads open."