Police lead efforts to free stranded lorries

By Shaun Milne

RESCUERS are this morning  working to free dozens of lorries trapped in white out conditions on the M8 motorway heading West from Edinburgh.

Emergency planners involving Lothian and Borders Police, West Lothian Council and others have teams digging out stranded articulated lorries which were forced to park up on the inside lane yesterday afternoon between junctions one and five.

Police estimate 25 to 30 vehicles were involved while efforts were concentrated last night on getting car drivers to safety.

A herculean effort involving snow ploughs, tractors and rescue workers saw dozens of motorists led in convoys to the safety of local hotels and homes in Bathgate and surrounding areas.

Heavy snow combined with rush hour traffic saw Scotland’s main road link brought to its knees on a day which also saw Edinburgh Airport close, buses cancelled and trains axed.

Forecasters are warning of frozen roads throughout the country as temperatures plunge.

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