Police have closed the snow gates on a Moray road after a number of vehicles became stranded.
Officers blocked off the A939 Lecht Road between Cockbridge and Tomintoul at around 8.20pm.
Aberdeenshire Council said six vehicles had become stuck on the route and had to be helped on their way by a snow-plough and gritter.
Motorists have been advised to find an alternate route.
Aberdeenshire Winter Ops Room: 11-12-19 20:30
Glenshee taking some snow pic.twitter.com/8IhqqvvuZ1— Aberdeenshire Roads (@AbshireRoads) December 11, 2019
Earlier today a heavy blizzard brought challenging conditions to the A939 between Grantown-on-Spey and Tomintoul and the snow gates are closed at Glenmore due to snow drifts caused by strong winds.
With wintry conditions expected to continue this week, police are reminding motorists to take extra care and be well prepared ahead of all journeys as the weather can change very quickly, particularly in more rural areas.
A spokesman said: “If you are planning to travel, plan ahead and check the weather for your destination as well as where you are leaving from and ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter conditions.”
The force’s top tips for driving in wintry conditions are:
- Keep well back from the road user in front in icy or snowy weather. Stopping distances can be ten times greater. When the roads are icy, drive at slow speed in as high a gear as possible; accelerate and brake very gently.
- Take special care that brakes, tyres, lights, batteries, windscreens and wiper blades are in good condition and well maintained. In addition, washer bottles need to contain an additive to stop the water from freezing.
- Plan ahead. Check the forecast, road conditions and consider alternative routes. Allow extra time for your journey and check your planned route is free from delays.
- Have kit in your vehicle such as a torch and spare batteries, some food and a drink, first aid kit, a map or device with offline maps for any unplanned diversions, ice scraper and de-icer and a shovel for snow.
Officers across the Highland and islands area will be carrying out extra patrols over the winter months as part of Operation Cedar, which involves police and partners joining forces to help keep all road users as safe as possible.
