Drivers urged to heed rules and look out for pedestrians
POLICE and town centre based organisations are warning drivers to familiarise themselves with the road rules around Lerwick’s Commercial Street and be aware of pedestrians as the tourist season gets busier.
A joint statement from Police Scotland, town centre promotional organisation Living Lerwick and Lerwick Port Authority urges drivers to respect the road access rules and that road traffic legislation will be enforced “where necessary”.
The stretch of road between the Market Cross and the Fort Chip Shop is a pedestrian only zone from 11.30am to 5.30pm between Monday and Friday, with only disability badge holders permitted to drive through for access purposes between those times.
Lerwick based Inspector Martyn Brill of Police Scotland said: “We would like to take this opportunity to advise drivers to be mindful of pedestrians in and about the town centre, particularly when visitors from cruise ships are enjoying the local area.
“The times during which the majority of vehicular traffic is prohibited from the main part of Commercial Street are clearly signposted, and I would stress police will enforce the road traffic legislation where necessary.”
Living Lerwick project manager Emma Miller said that at this time of year there was often a large number of cruise ship visitors walking through the street and as they were not familiar with the road layout, there was a higher risk of an accident occurring.
She added: “Verbal feedback strongly indicates that local shoppers are also often frustrated at having to dodge traffic during pedestrian only times, especially when there’s no blue badge on display in the car.”
Lerwick Port Authority harbourmaster and deputy chief executive Captain Calum Grains said: “Cruise ships berthed at Victoria Pier or at anchor require exclusive use of the pier to ensure their passengers can safely disembark to explore the isles.
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“The pier is either partially or fully closed to the public on busy days to control vehicle and coach movements for the ship’s own pre-arranged shore excursions. The town centre can be very busy with a number of independent tour providers using short term parking to collect passengers on foot.”
Living Lerwick reminded business owners and staff not to park for extended periods in designated short term parking spaces which are meant for shoppers.
There are 448 free public car parking spaces within the town centre area, with an additional 73 paid for spaces on Victoria Pier. The 26 spaces along the Esplanade area are specifically for short term use to facilitate easy and quick access to town centre businesses.
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