Whiteout causes commuter chaos
Published 30 Nov 2010 09:30
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FRESH snow caused chaos for commuters across Central Fife this week as they battled against whiteout conditions.
Police continue to advise drivers not to travel unless absolutely necessary.
Stagecoach were running a reduced bus service, while Scotrail say train services between Cowdenbeath and Newcraighall were disrupted on Monday due to the poor weather.
Fife Council closed all schools in the area on Monday and Tuesday as a "precautionary measure".
The council said gritters would be working continuously through the night to make keep the Kingdom's roads open. Around 2,200 tonnes of salt have already been spread on Fife's roads since Friday and, at this moment, all primary routes are passable with extreme care.
Dr Bob McLellan, head of Transportation Services told the Times, "We have had in excess of 150 staff from Transportation and Maintenance Services working round the clock since Friday (26th November). Our focus has been to keep all the main road and bus routes clear as well as clearing footpaths outside main shopping centers to try and keep the pedestrian areas as accessible as possible for shoppers.
"Although it has been extremely busy, we are well prepared with salt and grit levels in good reserve. We will continue to monitor and take action to keep all main roads and bus routes as clear as possible.
"However, I would urge people only to travel if absolutely necessary."
Speaking about the school closures, Ken Greer, Executive Director of Education, said, "While no-one wishes to see schools closed the safety of our children is paramount and we took the difficult decision early this morning (Monday) to close all the schools in Fife due to the severity of the weather conditions.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and will publish any changes as quickly as possible on www.fifedirect.org.uk and on Kingdom FM and other local media.
"I would urge all parents and carers to register their details – and keep them up to date – on www.fifedirect.org.uk in order to receive mobile and email updates for their local schools and other council facilities of their choice."
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