Tragedy on icy road as L driver hits pedestrian

A PEDESTRIAN was killed yesterday after being hit by a learner driver who lost control on a snow and ice-covered road.

Fatal crash NEWSLINE

A fatal crash in heavy snow on the A93 near Ballater, Aberdeenshire

The accident happened on the A93 near Ballater, Aberdeenshire, following heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures.

Police Scotland said that the grey Skoda Fabia was being driven by a supervised learner driver, who lost control and hit the 36-year-old pedestrian, who died at the scene.

Officers have appealed for witnesses to the crash, which happened at around 10.30am at Bridge of Gairn.

Our message is drive to the conditions, leave more stopping room, watch your speed and leave room for our gritters which will be out and about doing their job

Scott Lees

It came as temperatures plummeted to -15C last night sparking further disruption across the country’s transport network this morning.

The freezing temperatures follow a fortnight in which roads were closed, schools were shut and thousands of homes were left without power due to high winds and winter storms.

Some areas had already experienced freezing conditions with the temperature dropping to -7C in Dalwhinnie in the Highlands on Saturday night, while heavy snowfall hampered motorists across the central belt on Friday.

Forecasters have warned of further snow and sub-zero temperatures, with temperatures dropping to as low as -10C later tonight.

A new yellow “be aware” warning of snow and ice has been put in place for much of the north-east of Scotland, while warnings in central and southern areas were lifted.

Forecasters say a small area of low pressure will move southwards down the North Sea, bringing rain, sleet and snow.

Up to five centimetres of snow could fall on inland areas above 200 metres with more expected on higher ground, while coastal areas are more likely to experience a mix of rain and sleet.

Scott Lees, network operations manager for Transport Scotland, said last night: “If you are out there driving you should expect some wintry conditions, a mixture of snow, sleet and perhaps even some hail. There’s another yellow weather warning that kicks in at 4pm tonight and that’s more of the same.

“Our message is drive to the conditions, leave more stopping room, watch your speed and leave room for our gritters which will be out and about doing their job.”

Road operator Bear Scotland said precautionary salt treatments were being carried out on all routes.

Scotland Transerv, which is responsible for maintaining roads in the south-west, said it had 22 gritters and almost 350 tons of salt ready to head out on the roads last night.

Amey said 12 patrol gritters and 16 front-line vehicles would be covering roads in the south-east overnight into this morning.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “If you are travelling on the roads you should ensure you and your vehicle are adequately prepared for the conditions, making sure you have sufficient fuel and supplies such as warm clothing, food and water in the event you are delayed for several hours.”

It was also revealed that repairs to hundreds of housing association homes in the Western Isles, damaged in hurricane force winds, have been delayed by the continuing bad weather.

Around 600 homes managed by Hebridean Housing Partnership are still awaiting repairs after being hit by the violent storm on the night of January 8.

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