Scotland’s new traffic control hub in South Queensferry has been officially opened by deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon.
The Traffic Scotland Control Centre boasts the latest technology and will keep the public up to date with traffic information about incidents on the trunk road network more than 2,000 miles of tarmac.
Traffic Scotland’s control room was previously located in Glasgow, but the old building was no longer fit for purpose.
Ms Sturgeon said: “Today marks the culmination of a long journey but also marks the start of an exciting new chapter.
“The Traffic Scotland service has enjoyed a proud history and the new centre will take everything that was effective about the previous service and rehouse that expertise in surroundings fit for the 21st century, complete with the modern technology required to deliver a more effective approach.
“This impressive new facility, overlooking the Forth, road and replacement crossings, will quickly become the beating heart of Traffic Scotland’s operations.
“An efficient and safe transport system is essential for a modern society with a competitive economy.
“We all use transport, and rely on it for the movement of goods, services and people as part of our daily lives. Last year over 11,000 unplanned incidents were managed, helping to improve journey time reliability and reduce trunk road disruption.
“Recent events have shown that we have to be prepared all year round for potential disruption on the transport network.
“From severe weather alerts from the Met Office, the more traditional challenges of coping with freezing temperatures, flooding and landslides, right through to coping with the impact of volcanic ash, the challenges are there for all to see.
Superintendent Iain Murray said: “The new control room is an excellent example of partnership working and sharing resources to provide the best possible response to incidents on the trunk roads network.
“The control room will provide the new police trunk roads patrol group with live access to information about incidents and issues on the road and will improve deployment plans and attendance times.”
Public service provider Amey won the £6m contract to run the traffic control centre for the next six years.