Trials of new liquid to clear ice off roads

Trials of a new liquid which could be used to clear roads of ice and snow at temperatures of up to minus 20C have been "encouraging", Scotland's transport minister said today.

The solution could provide the authorities with an alternative to salt, which is not effective at such low temperatures - potentially helping to keep Scotland moving during sub-zero conditions.

The de-icer was successfully tested on hard-packed snow and ice on a road in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, recently.

Stocks of it will now be placed at various points around the country, so they can be used during lower temperatures.

The trial of the liquid comes after a major stretch of the M8 between Edinburgh and Glasgow had to be shut for almost 48 hours last month because of ice and snow on the carriageway.

Transport minister Keith Brown said: "Last December we faced an unprecedented situation with the coldest weather for 100 years and it's right we continue to explore ways of continually improving our capacity to respond to severe weather."

The minister said the trial in Huntly was one of the first times the solution had been used on roads in Scotland.

And he stated: "It is encouraging to see this initial trial deliver positive early results.

"We will continue to explore innovative ways of keeping our transport networks moving and Scotland open for business."

Last month the Scottish Government announced a six-point plan which aims to improve communication with travellers and help keep the country moving during severe weather.

Mr Brown said: "I am pleased we have been able to make such progress in exploring new ways of keeping our transport networks open, improving information available to road users and people planning their journeys, and by continually reviewing our operations to make sure we are well placed to deal with whatever winter weather we may face."

He also confirmed ministers were alert to the possibility that Scotland could be hit by more wintry weather.

A total of 52 meetings have taken place since the freezing conditions and snow first hit, involving Scottish Government ministers, senior figures from the emergency services, local councils, the Met Office, Scottish Water, Transport Scotland, road and rail operators and others.