Police have issued a warning to drivers following a serious of collisions on ice-choked routes.
Road conditions were described as “abominable”, with black ice among the obstacles faced by drivers.
Police were called to a spate of accidents in Kinross-shire and rural routes in Perthshire were also reported to be passable only with “utmost care”. Temperatures dipped below freezing overnight. Slightly higher temperatures caused ice to thaw in part today, with no more snow reported.
A police spokesman advised drivers to take the utmost care on rural routes. “Ice has been reported as a contributory factor in a number of minor collisions. Incidents were reported in the Kinross area and there were also minor bumps in Abernethy, Blairgowrie and Meikleour.”
He called on drivers to “be alert” at all times, with black ice posing a potentially lethal threat.
“Work is ongoing to treat surfaces affected by the cold conditions,” he said. “But drivers are warned to be alert for black ice. A road may appear to be completely clear of snow or ice, but there could be unseen ice on the road surface.
“Wherever possible, drivers should try to stick to main routes and reduce their speed.”Irresponsible drivingThe spokesman also said drivers found to be flouting the safety of road users through irresponsible driving could face severe penalties. “Tayside Police will take appropriate action against anyone who is detected driving without due care and attention for other road users,” he added.
Conditions underfoot were every bit as treacherous as those on the roads.
In Perth an evening of sleet followed by a night of plummeting temperatures left many pavements and walkways in an appalling state on Tuesday morning.
“The conditions were a joke,” said one city centre resident. “I went to the (AK Bell) library and the pavements there were deadly. There was just sheet ice. I saw a young mum with a pram simply give up and turn back it was so bad.
“Goodness knows how elderly and infirm people are coping, the conditions on both roads and pavements are abominable.”