Council / SIC explains move towards more traffic calming measures
THE COUNCIL says proposed new traffic calming measures are designed to keep vehicle speeds in line with reduced limits.
Some of the proposals also aim to address concerns in the community, such as on Gilbertson Road.
A number of traffic notices were published this week outlining plans for 20mph zones on King Harald Street and Scalloway Road/South Road.
There are also traffic calming measures including speed cushions, flat-topped humps and raised table junctions, for those roads plus Gilbertson Road, Bell’s Road and Burgh Road.
The proposals – first mooted in April this year – have not been met with open arms by many on social media.
People are able to object directly to the council, either in writing to Roads Service, Gremista, Lerwick ZE1 0PX or via email on roads@shetland.gov.uk.
When asked by Shetland News to explain the proposals, a spokesperson for the SIC said: “The council is now bringing forward proposals to extend the 20mph zones to include King Harald Street and part of the A969 (Scalloway Road/ South Road).
“These proposals include a package of traffic calming measures – such as speed cushions, flat-topped humps, and raised table junctions – designed to keep vehicle speeds in line with the reduced limits.
“In parallel, the council is also promoting similar traffic calming measures on Gilbertson Road, Bell’s Road, and Burgh Road.
“These streets have been the subject of community concerns for several years, and the proposed features aim to address those issues directly.
“While such measures are already in use along the Esplanade and Church Road, their application in the new areas would be lighter in touch, reflecting Lerwick’s historically low collision rates outside the town centre.”
The spokesperson also said the new features have been “carefully designed and located to improve road safety, traffic management, and active travel provision”.
“Alongside the proposals for King Harald Street, they would create a basic framework of safe, convenient pedestrian priority routes across Lerwick, supported by the introduction of new zebra crossings at key locations,” they continued.
“Although local collision and injury rates remain low, the council is committed to the safe system approach to road safety, which recognises both human vulnerability and human error.
“By lowering speeds to 20mph and proactively introducing compliance measures, we reduce both the likelihood of collisions and the severity of any that might occur.
“These measures also support the council’s wider ambition to make Shetland an active community.
“Providing safer and more accessible pedestrian routes would help achieve our aims of encouraging active and recreational travel, reducing reliance on cars in urban areas, and promoting healthier lifestyles.”
More details on the proposals can be found here.
Objections received will be reported to the environment and transport committee when this matter is being presented for decision.
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