Drivers warned about snow drifts

The A96 has been closed by drifting snow

Police in north east Scotland have criticised motorists who are becoming stranded in snow drifts after ignoring road closures.

One driver has been taken to hospital suffering from hypothermia after driving past a sign warning that the route was blocked.

The main A96 Aberdeen to Inverness road remained shut for most of the day as teams struggle to clear snow drifts up to 6ft high.

The road reopened on Thrusday evening but motorists were urged to drive with care.

Police have issued a warning to drivers

In the north east of Scotland the problems have been caused by dry snow in fields being blown onto roads by high winds, causing drifts as high as 15ft.

One of the worst areas is at the Glens of Foundland on the main route between Inverness and Aberdeen.

A spokeswoman said snow ploughs, blowers and gritters struggled to clear drifts.

If you don't have to go out on the roads today please don't, but if you do have to go out check first the conditions in the area you are going to

Inspector Craig Menzie

One motorist who ignored road closed signs in the area has been taken to hospital suffering mild hypothermia.

Grampian Police said drivers who did not heed the signs were committing an offence and risking their own lives - as well as the lives of those trying to rescue them.

Stranded cars have also been preventing snow ploughs and gritters from doing their job.

Eighteen routes were closed in the Grampian area along with one in the Highlands, and police said they would remain blocked until the high winds eased.

Inspector Craig Menzie said: "If you don't have to go out on the roads today please don't, but if you do have to go out check first the conditions in the area you are going to."

Forecasters have said the weather is getting milder and that temperatures will continue to rise until Sunday - although central and eastern areas will remain cold.