Shetland authorities address speeding and new 20mph limits

Police Scotland has reported a significant speeding incident in Shetland, where a driver was clocked traveling at 96mph in a 60mph zone approaching Lerwick. This represents the highest speed detected by officers in the islands over the last five years. Data released via a Freedom of Information request shows that 82 speeding offences have been detected by road officers in the area since 2021.

In response to ongoing road safety concerns, the Shetland Islands Council (SIC) is expanding 20mph speed limits across several Lerwick roads, including King Harald Street and parts of the A969. However, the council has postponed the installation of physical traffic calming measures, such as road humps and zebra crossings, following significant public opposition.

Objections to physical measures included concerns that speed bumps could damage vehicles, increase noise and pollution due to braking and acceleration, and potentially hinder emergency service response times. The council intends to assess the effectiveness of ‘signs only’ 20mph limits in the interim.