Latest news with #TransportScotland
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Major Scottish road closed southbound after early morning crash
Southbound motorists are advised to use an alternative route. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A major Scottish road has closed southbound after an early morning crash. Emergency services were called to the A78 crash at the Eglington Interchange on Pennyburn Roundabout near Kilwinning in the early hours of this morning. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The road fully closed at around 3am though is now only closed southbound. Make sure you keep up to date with breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here. It is currently unknown how many vehicles were involved in the crash. It is also unknown if there have been any serious injuries. However, police have been contacted for more information. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The A78 remains closed southbound. | John Devlin In a post to social media, a Transport Scotland spokesperson said: 'The A78 remains closed Southbound between Eglinton Interchange and Pennyburn Roundabout due to a road traffic incident. 'Northbound has now been reopened to road users.' A 3.5 mile diversion is in place. A78 southbound diversion To take the southbound diversion, leave the Pennyburn roundabout by taking the first exit onto the A738 Stevenson Road. Then, you should continue on the A738 to Byres Road to the junction with the A737. Continue onto Howgate to the traffic lights then turn left. Follow A737 on Laughlan Way, Main St Bridgend, Pathfoot and Irvine Road to Eglington Interchange.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Blue Badge renewal tip means parking permit is always valid and never at risk of fine
Local councils across Great Britain issue Blue Badges to people for up to three years. The latest statistics from the Department for Work and Transport and Transport Scotland show that there are currently more than 2.8 million Blue Badge holders in England (2.57m) and Scotland (235,779). The Scottish figure may be much higher as the most recent data was published in November 2021. The UK Government recently confirmed that 90 per cent of all Blue Badge applications are being made through the online service. For users of the scheme due to renew this year they may not be aware of a nifty way to ensure a seamless transition from the old badge to the new one which ensures the permit is always valid. Badge holders are advised to renew 12 weeks before the expiry date, however, doing it earlier has no impact on your existing Blue Badge as the start date will be the day after the current one expires. Blue Badge holders could face a hefty £1,000 fine if they continue to display it after it has expired. This is because displaying an out of date Blue Badge is classed as 'misuse'. Transport Scotland guidance states: 'Misuse of a badge is a crime. You may be prosecuted if you misuse a badge.' It's also worth noting that once you have completed the renewal process online, which involves providing details of your existing Blue Badge, personal details and eligibility criteria, you will receive an email confirming whether or not you have been successful. If you have, the email will also include instructions on making the Blue Badge payment to your local council - in Scotland this is £20. It costs up to £10 in England and is free in Wales. Once the payment has been made, you will then receive an email from the Department for Work and Transport confirming that your Blue Badge has been ordered and will arrive within 10 working days. The email also include: Name of your local authority issuing the Badge Badge number Badge start date Badge expiry date If your Blue Badge is due to expire in September or October, you can renew it now and have peace of mind that you won't forget - or run the risk of a fine. Eligibility for a Blue Badge is also reviewed every time a renewal application is submitted. Guidance on explains: 'Your Blue Badge is not renewed automatically. You need to reapply for it every 3 years. 'Your eligibility will be checked every time you reapply. This is to make sure you can still get a Blue Badge. Your local council processes your application and decides if you can get a Blue Badge. 'You should reapply 12 weeks before your badge expires.' The eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge was extended in 2019 to include individuals with non-visible disabilities such as Parkinson's, dementia and epilepsy to help more people park closer to the places they want to go when they travel as a driver, or a passenger. How to renew a Blue Badge online You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders. You will also need a photo or scan of your: proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence) proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter) proof of benefits (if you get any) You will also need to know: your National Insurance number (if you have one) the details of your current Blue Badge You can start the application online and save the information you enter if you need to look for the required documents. You can easily return to it later and complete the process. Change of details You should contact your local council if there's a change to your: name address council area contact details Top 10 things to remember when using your Blue Badge You must follow the rules when using your Blue Badge, if you don't you are committing a crime You can only use your Blue Badge as a driver or passenger No-one else should use your badge if you are not in the vehicle with them If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space You must not let other people use your badge You must display your Blue Badge the right way up so the number can be seen clearly and your photo is face down You must apply for a new badge before your old badge runs out If your badge gets damaged you must apply for a new one Keep your badge safe. If it is lost or stolen, you must tell the police and the Local Council Check signs to make sure that Blue Badge holders are allowed to park there
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Erskine Bridge weekend closure planned as roadworks set to begin
The carriageway on the northbound carriageway of the Erskine Bridge will be closed for a full weekend next month as work to resurface and replace crucial joints begins. A carriageway on the Erskine Bridge is set to shut for an entire weekend as resurfacing and crucial joint replacement work begins next month. The route will be closed northbound from 8pm on Friday, August 8, until 6am on Monday, August 11, as Amey, acting on behalf of Transport Scotland, undertakes the work. Drivers are being encouraged to plan their trips ahead of time and consider alternative routes or follow signed diversions during the work. The southbound A898 Erskine Bridge will operate with a single lane closure. Access for emergency services will be maintained. This work forms part of a £100,000 investment in the infrastructure of the A898 Erskine Bridge and will enhance the condition of the bridge joints and the road surface there. Drivers will be advised to adhere to an agreed diversion route as several key roads will be shut. Road closures will be implemented at the M8 Junction 30 westbound off-slip to M898 northbound; A898/M898 northbound; A898 northbound slips to Great Western Road (both northbound and southbound); and the A898 northbound on-slip to Erskine Bridge. A single lane closure will also be necessary on the A898 southbound carriageway, and there will be a closure of the A82 southbound off-slips to Erskine Bridge. A signed diversion for northbound traffic will reroute vehicles. Eastbound M8 traffic from Greenock/Port Glasgow will continue on the eastbound M8 to the Kingston Bridge and then take the M8 Junction 17 off-slip (Charing Cross, Glasgow) to join the westbound A82 (Great Western Road). Westbound traffic aiming to reach the A898 Erskine Bridge will be directed to turn at the M8 Junction 31 off-slip (West Ferry Interchange) to join the same eastbound diversion. Westbound M8 traffic (from Glasgow towards M898) planning to cross the A898 Erskine Bridge should follow the M8 to Kingston Bridge and then take the M8 Junction 17 off-slip (Charing Cross, Glasgow) to join the westbound A82 (Great Western Road). Westbound M74 traffic (towards M898) intending to cross the A898 Erskine Bridge should exit at M74 Junction 1 (towards Kinning Park) and follow local signs to the westbound A82 (Great Western Road). Northbound M77 traffic (towards M898) planning to cross the A898 Erskine Bridge should continue on the eastbound M8 and follow local signs to join the westbound A82 (Great Western Road). For those travelling on the southbound carriageway, the Erskine Bridge southbound on-slip from A82 westbound will be closed from 6am on Saturday, August 9, until 8pm on Sunday, August 10. Westbound A82 traffic aiming to head south on the A898 Erskine Bridge will be rerouted to continue west to Dunglass Roundabout, before returning eastbound to join the southbound A898 Erskine Bridge traffic. The Erskine Bridge southbound slip road from A82 eastbound will be shut from 8pm until 6am on both nights of Friday, August 8, and Sunday, August 10. Eastbound A82 traffic planning to head south on the Erskine Bridge will be diverted via Kilbowie Roundabout and access Erskine Bridge from A82 westbound. Local access to Erskine will be maintained via the B815 and the A726. Eastbound traffic from Greenock/Port Glasgow will carry on the eastbound M8 to Junction 30 to reach Erskine via the A726. Westbound M8 traffic (from Glasgow to M898) wishing to get to Erskine from the M8 will be redirected at the M8 Junction 31 off-slip road (West Ferry Interchange) to follow the eastbound diversion to the A726. Local Erskine traffic intending to reach the A82 Great Western Road, will be rerouted at the A726 Spectacles Roundabout and join the southbound M8 off-slip road to the eastbound M8 and continue to the M8 Kingston Bridge Junction 17 off-slip road to join the westbound A82 (Great Western Road). Local access to Erskine, north of the A898 Erskine Bridge, will be facilitated via the A726 leading to the A8 Greenock Road. From there, drivers should follow Inchinnan Road/Gleve Street/Glasgow Road/Renfrew Road/Shieldhall Road and proceed through the Clyde Tunnel, continuing on Crow Road to join the westbound A82 (Great Western Road). Motorists are encouraged to explore alternative routes where feasible to bypass the M898/A898 during the period of these works.
ITV News
5 days ago
- Business
- ITV News
A75 improvements: Dumfries and Galloway villages could be bypassed as £3m pledged
The UK Government has announced it is giving an extra £3.45m to the Scottish Government to look at improvements to the A75 in Dumfries and Galloway. The Scottish Secretary says it means the UK Government is providing the "full" funding for the feasibility study to consider bypassing two villages on the road. The A75, which is a primary trunk road in Scotland, connects Stranraer and ferry ports at Cairnryan to the M6 and A74(M) at Gretna. It serves as a crucial route for traffic heading between Northern Ireland, England, and the rest of Scotland, particularly for those using the ferries to Northern Ireland. It is largely single-carriageway, which can lead to congestion, and longstanding safety concerns. In 2023, the then Conservative government at Westminster announced it would provide £8m for the research into upgrading the A75. After Labour won the general election, they announced at the Budget in October 2024 they would provide up to £5m towards the study. They say today's funding comes "on top" of that. John Cooper, the Conservative MP for Dumfries and Galloway, wrote on social media: "After a lot of scaremongering from the SNP, the [UK government] confirms what the previous administration committed to." Decisions over transport are devolved to Holyrood, and any work to complete improvements to the road would likely have to come out of the Scottish Government's budget. Transport Scotland, the Scottish Government's transport agency, said they recognise the "strategic importance" of the A75 and have completed six major improvement projects on the road, but face "significant pressures" on their budget for infrastructure. Today's announcement is part of £66m announced by the Chancellor for Scottish transport improvements. The UK Government describes the A75 as a "key road... vital to UK connectivity and growing the economy." On the topic, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: "the A75 is strategically important just not within but beyond Scotland. Its upgrading is long overdue. I am pleased that the UK Government has stepped up to fund the delivery of the A75 feasibility study in full. "This investment is yet another example of how the UK Government is building the foundations for a stronger, more prosperous future that benefits communities right across Scotland." Transport Scotland says: 'The strategic importance of both the A75 and A77 to Scotland's economy is recognised by this Government. We value the critical link they provide to the wider markets in the rest of the UK and Europe by connecting the ports at Cairnryan to the wider trunk road network. 'Ministers have chaired the Convention of South of Scotland discussion on transport, met the Leaders of Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire Councils, had a roundtable discussion with campaigners calling for road improvements to the A75 and A77 in Girvan, and also extended an offer to form a 'South West Scotland Roads – Focus Group'. The purpose of this group is to improve the flow of information with the campaign groups and wider stakeholders, and look at longer term strategic investment for both the A75 and A77. 'In terms of the A75 we have completed six major roads improvement projects with a total value of over £50 million. While the UK Autumn Budget marked a step in the right direction, it does not make up for fourteen years of underinvestment – austerity cannot be undone in one year. We are still facing significant pressures on our capital budget, which is significantly affecting our ability to maintain investment on all of Scotland's transport infrastructure. 'Additionally, we have wasted no time in progressing the design and assessment work to consider options for realigning the A75 trunk road at the villages of Springholm and Crocketford." This comes weeks after campaigners in Dumfries and Galloway expressed frustration that no money was announced for the A75 in the UK Government's spending review. At the time, Springholm and Crocketford residents said this was an opportunity to commit project funding, and were disappointed both the UK Government and the Scottish Government hadn't dedicated money to feasibility study.
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Ayrshire motorists warned of A77 lane closures for two and a half weeks
Ayrshire motorists warned of A77 lane closures for two and a half weeks Lanes will be closed on the A77 between Kilmarnock and Ayr to allow for footpath resurfacing next month. (Image: Google Maps) Motorists in Ayrshire are being warned to expect disruption on the A77 for two and a half weeks next month. Resurfacing work is being carried out on the footpath at Ladykirk, around 2.5 miles north of the Dutchhouse Roundabout between Kilmarnock and Ayr, from Monday, August 11. As a result, nearside lane closures will be in place between the Kilmarnock Road footbridge and Monkton Road for the duration of the works which are scheduled to end on Friday, August 29. The works were originally due to start on Monday, July 28 but trunk road operator Amey confirmed they had been delayed "due to operational issues". Download the Ayrshire Live app today The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the local news in your area – plus features, football news and the latest on the coronavirus crisis – at your fingertips 24/7. The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories while you can customise your page with the sections that matter to you. The Ayrshire Live app is available to download now on iOS and Android. A spokesperson for Amey said: "Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking essential footway renewals on the A77 southbound at Ladykirk, 2.5 miles north of Dutchhouse Roundabout from Monday, August 11 until Friday, August 29. "This work will require a 24 hour nearside lane closure for the duration between Kilmarnock Road footbridge and Monkton Road. "Access for emergency service vehicles will be maintained throughout these works. "Please note, all schemes are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable. "This scheme will benefit pedestrians using this route each day, by improving the safety and condition of the footways in this area. "Road users are thanked for their patience and understanding while this work is being undertaken." Originally due to take place between Monday, July 28 and Friday, August 8, the works have been delayed and extended to take place over 18 days and not 11 days. Article continues below Amey have not confirmed if lane closures will affect both carriageways or only one. Don't miss the latest Ayrshire headlines – sign up to our free daily newsletter
