Experts from across Scotland’s transport network have warned that severe weather is no longer confined to winter months, as storms, flooding and high winds increasingly disrupt travel throughout the year.
Representatives from Transport Scotland, Police Scotland, the Met Office, ScotRail, Network Rail, CalMac and trunk road operators met at Shettleston Rail Depot in Glasgow this week to outline how they are preparing to keep Scotland moving in the face of climate change.
Over the last three years, flooding alone has restricted the trunk road network for an average of 62 days annually, more than triple the average seen between 2015 and 2017.
This year’s winter service includes around 240 gritters patrolling Scotland’s trunk roads, spreading salt and ploughing snow from 40 depots across the country, supported by nearly half a million tonnes of salt already in stock.
Dedicated snow plans are in place for major routes including the M8, M74, M77, M80 and AWPR, alongside new ice detection systems and automatic barriers on the Queensferry Crossing.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop said the public must now think of severe weather as a year-round reality rather than a winter inconvenience.
“Severe weather has traditionally been associated with winter, snow, ice and gritters,” she said.
“However we just have to look back at the impact of Storm Amy and Storm Floris to realise that we can face challenging conditions at any time of year.
“Because of climate change we are seeing more frequent heavy rain and more weather extremes throughout the year.
“We heard from experts today across all transport modes about what they are doing to prepare, as it’s vital we all work together to face the challenge and keep Scotland moving.”
Transport Scotland’s National Operations Manager for Resilience, Martin Thomson, said new technology was helping the country stay ahead of the worst conditions.
“A new advanced weather forecasting system, new sensors to provide early warnings, and automatic barriers are now in play if required,” he said.
“Effective communication is also critical.
“We know from recent named storms that Traffic Scotland remains one of the most trusted sources of information.”
Network Rail’s Route Director, Ross Moran, said Scotland’s railways must be ready to respond to changing weather patterns at any time.
“Severe weather doesn’t respect railway timetables,” he said.
“We use a wide range of tools to monitor and manage these risks, including a 24/7 weather desk, specialist helicopters and de-icing trains to keep the railway safe and operational.”
Police Scotland’s Head of Road Policing, Chief Superintendent Scott McCarren, reminded the public of their role in resilience efforts.
“Everyone can help emergency services by planning ahead, checking for road closures in advance, paying attention to weather warnings and listening to travel advice,” he said.
CalMac’s Head of Operations, Finlay MacRae, said cooperation and clear communication remain vital as ferry operators face the challenges of Scotland’s unpredictable coastal weather.
And the Met Office’s John Harrison reinforced the message that preparation is the best defence.
“With climate change, we’re already witnessing an increased frequency of weather extremes in the UK,” he said.
“It’s crucial that people listen to advice from Transport Scotland and stay informed about developing conditions.”
