As the return to work and school continues, a multi-agency response team stands ready to help keep the vast majority of Scots on the move this morning.

The team, based in Traffic Scotland's control centre in Glasgow, was activated on Sunday evening in response to weather forecasts for snow and widespread ice across parts of Scotland.

It was set up last month in response to lessons learned from the severe weather which saw the coldest December in parts of Scotland since records began.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "As Scots head to work today with Met Office forecasts for heavy snow and widespread ice in parts of Scotland, I would urge drivers to check their journeys in advance and follow police advice where necessary.


"Last month saw the coldest December in parts of Scotland since records began and we have made every effort through our resilience planning and working closely with our partners to ensure we are as ready as possible for whatever the weather may bring.

"Across Scotland we have almost 540,000 tonnes in stock and on order, having used 431,300 tonnes to date. However, there is no room for complacency and we must remain alert and innovative as new problems occur.

"We are therefore confident that our resilience planning will ensure that we get through the winter together, by doing everything we can to minimise disruption and to keep Scotland moving."

Over 110 vehicles were deployed across the national network both on Saturday and on Sunday night, with around 95 vehicles out each day. There are 200 winter service vehicles available to the four trunk road operating companies plus a further 12 for the M77 and M74 DBFO contracts. This gives a combined total of 212 vehicles across the Scottish Trunk Road Network. This total includes the 37 additional vehicles brought in to enhance capability. The remaining plant is on standby to be used as required.

While the Scottish Government is doing all it can to keep Scotland moving, drivers and passengers are urged to play their part by making informed travel choices. Real time journey planning information can be found on the Traffic Scotland and Travelline Scotland websites.

(GK)