Scotland’s Traffic Commissioner Joan Aitken is calling on HGV, bus and coach operators across the country to be ready for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games which are now only months away.

She has written to every operator in Scotland about the potential impact of the Games on commercial vehicle operators and their activities.

The letter provides details about when the Commonwealth Games will take place and explains to operators that there will be restrictions on vehicle movements and deliveries in the Greater Glasgow area and on other key access roads and locations in Scotland.

All operators need to start planning immediately if they will be affected by the Games, according to Aitken.

It is unlikely that operator licence changes will be required except for those running local bus services where registrations may need to be amended.

However, bus operators will want to check if they have enough buses to run any additional services during the Games – particularly as the organisers are encouraging the use of public transport by visitors.

Operators are also advised to check staffing levels, especially for drivers, and ensure that punctuality levels will not be affected by congestion or planned closures that have been notified by the organisers in advance.

The Traffic Commissioner urges operators to check the official websites for Commonwealth Games information and begin discussions with customers and commercial partners to consider how they can work together to manage any impact from the event.

Licence holders can also get help from the industry trade bodies.

Commenting on the commercial vehicle industry’s importance to the Commonwealth Games, Aitken said: “Haulage, bus and coach operators will be vital to the smooth running of the Games so I want to make sure that all those who are involved and may be affected are looking at the Games routes and the days affected.

“My message is: plan ahead and do it now. Find out how you will be affected by road closures and parking restrictions and on road events. It will be business as very unusual for those in Greater Glasgow this summer. Don’t get wrong footed.”