Drivers urged to take care in wintry conditions

Orkney Islands Council and Police Scotland are urging drivers to take particular care, given current road conditions.

A mix of rain, sleet and snow, and a rapid fall to below-zero temperatures last night, resulted in difficult driving conditions on some roads. The Met Office has issued weather warnings for Orkney which are in currently place until well into the weekend.

Darren Richardson, the OIC’s head of infrastructure, said: “Gritting operations began today, at 6am as planned, and given the formation of ice, we’re now repeating these operations.

“These are taking place on the principal roads in Orkney along with other important routes, such as those used by school buses, and known trouble spots.

“This means that our resources are focused on ensuring the key routes are passable and we will not be able to consider other requests until this is complete. All enquiries are logged and as soon as resources become available we will address them.

Mr Richardson added that grit bins are full and people are welcome to use them at these specific locations.

Inspector Keith Bendall, based at Kirkwall Police Station, said: “Could I ask that drivers avoid unnecessary travel. If essential please take extra precautions and consider carefully the road conditions, adjusting your speed accordingly, keeping a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front and ensure you have warm clothing and a charged mobile phone.

“It is also important to make sure your tyres are in good condition and your windscreen washer is full, as salt from the gritters can obscure windscreens.”

Information about driving in wintry conditions can be found at: http://www.orkney.gov.uk/Service-Directory/A/Guide-to-Winter-Roads-in-Orkney.htm

The latest weather warnings are available at: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/warnings