Community council happy to see lower speed limits stay

LERWICK Community Council offered no objections to plans to make temporary speed limits at the south end of the town permanent when the matter was discussed by members on Monday night.

The speed limits relate to the road between Sound Brae and the Black Gaet junction, as well as the side road towards Gulberwick.

The limits on three sections of road there were reduced to 30mph, 40mph and 50mph a couple of years ago to gauge whether it would positively impact on active travel.

Results from the trial suggested the number of people engaging in active travel would not warrant the limit being made permanent for that reason alone – but the suggestion was to keep the new limits for road safety reasons.

Shetland Islands Council elected members already approved keeping them permanent, but it has to go out to consultation before it is set in stone.

At a meeting of Lerwick Community Council on Monday night members were happy to see the new limits stay.

The general consensus was that safety around the various junctions in the area has increased following the reduced limits.