Scotland's transport network braced for torrential rain

Date: 11/10/2012

With torrential rain forecast for the next 72 hours, Scotland is braced for a new onslaught of challenges on its transport network.

Many parts of the country will be at a high risk of flooding and motorists are being warned to drive with extra caution in these areas.

The north east of Scotland, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray have had their yellow alerts upgraded to amber by the Met Office.

This means that instead of being aware, people in these areas are expected to be prepared as it is likely that by Friday they may need to deal with some extreme weather conditions.

A multi-agency response team set up by Transport Scotland will be on standby so that it can be brought into action if needed.

Keith Brown, Transport Minister, said: "Just weeks after the first major storm of the autumn, the transport network is braced for another major challenge.

"Our operating companies are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to deal with any weather-related issues that arise."

He went on to say that members of the public planning to travel must perform their own roles in ensuring that they keep themselves informed.

Journeys can be planned and amended by using the Traffic Scotland website, message signs and traffic announcements broadcast over the radio.

Mr Brown said: "A wide range of agencies and organisations are poised to react quickly to the alerts and activate their response plans for the potential impact of heavy rain."

The heaviest rain is likely to fall in Dumfries & Galloway, Argyll and Bute, Stirling, Perthshire and the southern Highlands.

Orkney, the eastern Highlands, Tayside, Fife, Strathclyde, Edinburgh and areas of the Lothians are still under a yellow warning for Friday.

Extreme weather conditions have caused a number of transport problems this year with roads being flooded and rail lines having to close due to landslides.

Posted by Mary Treen

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