Up Helly Aa 2026 - Special Openings and Tours
Monday 26 January 2026
 4°C   SE Moderate Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts
GR Kitchens - Free dishwasher with every kitchenGR Kitchens - Free dishwasher with every kitchenGR Kitchens - Free dishwasher with every kitchenGR Kitchens - Free dishwasher with every kitchenGR Kitchens - Free dishwasher with every kitchenGR Kitchens - Free dishwasher with every kitchen

Council / No significant issues with roadworks, council says

POLICE have finally confirmed two road traffic accidents near to or at the ongoing road works on the A970 near the Vidlin junction, earlier this month.

On Saturday 17 January, officers received a report of a car off the road on the A970 “near Petta Water and Voe”.

Cabling road works near the Vidlin junction last week.
Photo: Shetland News

Sergeant Alex Batty told Shetland News that police at the Lerwick station was informed at 3.55pm on that day.

The driver was traced and there were no reports of any injuries.

Two days later, at 5.35pm on Monday 19 January, officers received a report of a crash at the junction with the B9071, also known as the Vidlin junction.

Enquiries are ongoing regarding that incident, police said.

The two road traffic accidents come as cabling works on the A970 continue with many motorists commenting on the bright floodlights illuminating the road works but also blinding drivers.

Signs to restrict the speed to 30mph within the various sections of roadworks on the A970 have recently been erected.

Police Scotland said they would not comment on the matter of lighting as this was for the “relevant agency” to do.

Shetland Islands Council meanwhile said it was not aware of “any significant issues with signage or traffic lights”.

Roads manager Neil Hutcheson said: “We regularly inspect traffic management systems and signage of works on the public road to ensure they meet the required standard.

“We have not been aware of any significant issues with the signage or traffic lights when our staff have been on site at these current works on the A970.

“We have weekly meetings with SSEN and their principal contractor, and where appropriate we will ask them to consider where improvements can be made.”

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its readers to consider paying for membership to get additional perks:

  • Removal of third-party ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

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

 
Advertisement 

Sign up
for our Newsletters

Stay in the loop with newsletters tailored to your interests. Whether you're looking for daily updates, weekly highlights, or updates on jobs or property, you can choose exactly what you want to receive.

Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 
Advertisement 

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.

Interested in Notifications?

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

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

  • Removal of third-party ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.