Big Freeze continues: Carlaw calls for full investigation as Scotland’s transport infrastructure collapses

There needs to be a full investigation into Scotland's preparedness for future severe winter weather, after our transport infrastructure totally collapsed at the start of this week.

Jackson Carlaw MSP, Shadow Minister for Transport, said:

"Even as we pay tribute to the heroics of countless individuals struggling to keep Scotland moving and the many examples of individual kindnesses to bring much needed and overdue relief to those stranded in extraordinary sub zero conditions, it is clear that for thousands of motorists and travellers and particularly those across the central belt of Scotland, the last 24 hours have been truly desperate.

"There is no point in pretending other than that there has been a total collapse of our transport infrastructure. At the very least, most Scots will have expected that lessons should have been learned from last winter's snowfalls, yet it is clear that once again our transport network is paralysed.

"Today, our first priority is to assist anyone still in difficulty. Thereafter, Stewart Stevenson must lead the Scottish Parliament in a full investigation into Scotland's preparedness for future severe winter weather and the co-ordination of our national response.

"We cannot go on planning exclusively for changes in the climate in 50 years and ignore the reality of today's weather. The Transport Minister must also clear up why the BBC forecast yesterday's snowfall but the Scottish Government apparently wasn't listening. Where did Stewart Stevenson get his advice?

"While we cannot be prepared for every and any eventuality, it is our duty to ensure that Scotland's response is more effective than it patently currently is. This is not the time to bluster or indulge in a 'blame game' but rather to take proper measure of our ability to cope in severe weather. We must ensure that Scotland is better informed and prepared next time - recognising that 'next time' could be imminent."

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