New traffic warnings for winter weather in Scotland. High risk of disruption, High winds - travel with caution - vulnerable vehicles.
As part of this year's winter readiness campaign, Police Scotland and Traffic Scotland have come up with a new set of severe weather warning categories. Last winter, Scotland was hit hard during the ‘Beast from the East’, with heavy snowfall and the first red warning for snow from the Met Office. Strong winds, gales and heavy rain are the more usual culprits for travel disruption with the populated Central Belt of Scotland being vulnerable in a strong westerly as the winds funnel their way through the lowlands. Reviewing the warnings and happenings of last winter, Police Scotland has revised its travel advice to ensure drivers get clear, concise advice on conditions.
I live close to the A1. It is always being closed off on windy days. as high sided vehicles head onwards towards an open valley and its high gusts then topple over. It closes, after the event with no previous warnings of what lies ahead. Locals know to go via the old route, for safety and to not get caught in the inevitable closures. This new system, as long as it is accessible, should get better information to more people.
The old system, which I'd never heard of was numbered 1-4. This just does what it says on the tin, apart from maybe TRAVEL WITH CAUTION, which makes me think of the children's games Grandmothers footsteps/ What's the time Mr Wolf?
How will you find out this information? It will be issued alongside the Met Office weather warnings with their Yellow./Amber/Red list. Maybe here on the Traffic Scotland website https://trafficscotland.org/policetravelwarnings/. Both the Traffic and Police sites have pointed to their social media feeds and local radio will help whilst you are moving. Traffic info ON.
“Winter driving is a question of common sense and drivers should ask themselves if they really need to travel when conditions are poor. No-one should ever place themselves at risk on the road and it may be worth considering postponing your journey or making alternative arrangements such as delaying travel until conditions improve." Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams
Hopefully, commuters crossing the Forth will have more joy now that the Queensferry crossing and its wind shielding is fully open. There will always be someone who doesn't want to pay attention to the flashing signs "closed to high sided vehicles", as wonderfully summed up by FakeFRB
