Black ice warning for motorists

motorist genericMotorists have been urged to drive with caution because of the threat of black ice
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Motorists have been advised to drive carefully after a warning of black ice on roads across Scotland.

The alert came after drivers were told to limit their speed to 30mph on Scotland’s motorway network over the weekend.

The Met Office issued a severe weather warning on Sunday, predicting widespread icy roads until Monday.

It also said there was a risk of snow in Strathclyde, Central, Tayside, Fife, Lothians and southern Scotland.

The Met Office predicted that a few centimetres could fall at lower levels, with 10cm over the Southern Uplands, Perthshire and Stirlingshire hills.

Police forces across the country said on Sunday that the freezing conditions had led to hazardous driving conditions on many routes.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said that roads remained “unpredictable” despite a widespread gritting operation.

He has urged people to plan journeys before setting out.

Weather and travel infoFrequent travel updates on BBC Radio Scotland – 92 to 95 FM and 810 MWDo you know of a problem? Call the travel hotline on 08000 929588 (call only if it is safe to do so)BBC Travel online updates Scotland-wide travel updates National rail enquiries BBC weather updates Met Office weather warnings Traveline Scotland Scottish Water advice on protecting pipes

All main trunk roads remained open over the weekend but advisory 30mph speed limits were in operation on several routes, including all motorways.

Mr Brown said: “Drivers should always plan their journeys in advance and should be aware of the threat from sub-zero temperatures and keep a sharp look out when travelling.

“The roads may appear clear of snow, but despite the widespread gritting taking place across the country, black ice remains a danger.

“Road conditions can be unpredictable and I’d urge drivers to continue to drive with care and not to be complacent.”

The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpos) has also issued advice for motorists travelling in icy conditions, urging drivers to leave at least three times more space than usual between moving vehicles and to drive in as high a gear as possible.

Mr Brown also said motorists should take extra care in case pedestrians were walking on roads because pavements were affected by ice and snow.

The warning comes after a 43-year-old man was killed as he walked along the A921 in Fife on Christmas Eve.

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UK forecast for 27/12/2010

Map Key

land colour Landcloud colour CloudLakes, Rivers & Sea colour Lakes, Rivers & Sea

Fog Fog Colour Range

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Frost Frost Colour Range

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Pressure Fronts

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Warm Front IllustrationWarm
Occluded Front IllustrationOccluded

Rain Rain Colour Range

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Snow Snow Colour Range

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Temperature tab only

Temperature (°C) Temperature range chart

This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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