widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

News / Drivers urged to heed rules and look out for pedestrians

Lerwick's Commercial Street. Photo: Hans J Marter/Shetland News

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.”

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

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.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

“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.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/pd_widget-8widget/pd_widget-9

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.