Cars off the road

POLICE in Shetland are warning motorists to take extra care after at least five cars went off the road in icy conditions in the last 24 hours.

 Council gritters were out treating roads on Wednesday morning as temperatures dipped to near freezing.

A two-car collision was reported near the Vidlin junction at 7am, while another vehicle left the road between Nesting and Laxo an hour later.

No one was reported injured in either of the accidents.

On Tuesday, two accidents occurred on icy roads on the A970 near Gott, one at 1am, the other at around 5.40am.

Police said that a passer-by had taken the driver of the second collision to the Gilbert Bain Hospital with minor injuries.

Meanwhile, at 8.40am on Tuesday a vehicle ended up in a ditch towards Laxo after the A970 turn-off, with the driver safe and well.

A police spokesman said: “Road users are reminded to take care when out on the roads at this time of year, particularly with the cold weather conditions.

“Black ice on the roads is a hazard and drivers should drive according to the road conditions, ensuring they leave a suitable stopping distance between themselves and preceding vehicles.”