Weather Incidents
ONLY CALL 999 IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
When looking for advice and information about roads, weather and flooding please don't dial 999 as this can stop emergency services from attending possible life-threatening situations.
The Scottish Government has created an additional topic to its public safety section, Ready Scotland, providing members of the public with access to advice on how to cope with the severe weather conditions during the winter season - Ready Scotland
Please contact the appropriate agency about weather related queries. Information can be found at the following sites:
Roads and travel advice
- Traffic Scotland
- Traffic Scotland - Driving in bad weather advice leaflet (PDF format)
- BEAR Scotland
- Moray Firth Radio
- Northern Safety Camera Partnership
- Roadworks Scotland
- Scotland Transerv
- Traveline Scotland
Environmental conditions
Local Councils and Government Agencies
- Weather Wise - information from the Scottish Government
- Highlands and Islands Strategic Co-ordinating Group
- Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
- Highland Council
- Highland Council - Winter Watch
- Orkney Islands Council
- Shetland Isles Council
Roadworthiness Checks
Before you start to drive you should ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy. Carry out the following checks.
| - Visual examination of the exterior for damage or defects. | |||
| - Tools and jack are present and in good order. | |||
| - Wheels in good order and nuts secure (do not over-tighten, especially with alloy wheels). | |||
| - Tyres – check all the tyres, including the spare, for; | |||
| Damage | |||
| Tread depth | |||
| Pressure (pressure settings are only accurate when tyres are cold) | |||
| Compatibility of type | |||
| - Adequate fuel, oil, water, windscreen wash and other fluids. | |||
| - Fan belt in good condition and correctly tensioned. | |||
| - Lights in working order including; | |||
| High intensity foglights | |||
| Indicators | |||
| Reversing lights | |||
| Brake lights | |||
| - Windscreen wipers and washers in good condition. | |||
| - Horn working correctly. | |||
| - Fire extinguisher present and in working order. | |||
| - All glass clean – windows inside and out, lenses, mirrors. | |||
A useful aid to remember the key points to check is:
|
P petrol |
O oil |
W water |
E electrics |
R rubbers (tyres & wipers) |