Treacherous driving conditions set to continue

POLICE in Shetland are reminding drivers and pedestrians to take extra care on the roads and pavements after receiving as many as seven reports of minor collisions during the morning rush hour.

Three vehicles fell victim to the icy conditions and were off road and in need of recovery on the A971 at Twatt, the head of Weisdale Voe and at Tingwall. All had been recovered by early afternoon.

The first service bus between Sumburgh Airport and Lerwick also went off the road in Sandwick but was helped back onto the highway with the assistance of a gritter.

Passengers were delayed by over an hour, but there were said to be no injuries. It is also understood at least two other vehicles went off the road in Sandwick.

Jim’s Garage confirmed its recovery service had been involved in towing six vehicles throughout the morning.

There is still a yellow Met Office weather warning for snow and ice in place.

Inspector Martyn Brill said: “Drivers are reminded the cold temperatures with showers of rain may well cause black ice on the roads making them hazardous for drivers.

“The pavements are also affected and pedestrians are likewise advised to take care.”

Shetland Island Council said its fleet of gritters are out across the island. Roads have been pre-treated but the risk of ice in place remains.

Sandwick School never opened on Friday after the headteacher took the decision that road conditions around the school were too treacherous. All other schools are open.

Meanwhile Shetland Athletics Club has cancelled all training sessions scheduled for Friday evening and Saturday.