Council / Call to drive ‘considerately’ on local roads
A REMINDER was issued in the council chamber this week for people to drive “considerately” on local roads after a petition was handed to Shetland Islands Council calling for the speed limit at Tresta to be lowered.
The petition, which had attracted over 70 signatures, requested that the limit on the A971 through Tresta was reduced from 60mph to 50mph “before tragedy strikes”.
It was noted at the council’s environment and transport committee on Tuesday with chairman Ryan Thomson stating that over the years similar requests have been turned down, as the stretch of road does not meet criteria for 50mph.
He said, however, that the council has created a new bus lay-by in the area and will install new signage and verge markers in the near future.
Thomson called for a report to be presented to the committee in the future on the stretch of road.
Westside councillor Catherine Hughson said the issue had been brought up regularly by the local community council.
While she acknowledged national guidance on roads, she added that “we need to reflect the local situation and the feeling of the community”.
Council leader Steven Coutts, who also represents the west, said he was “happy with our approach”.
He said the council should acknowledge the national guidance as well as the knowledge of local roads staff.
But he stressed that people should drive “considerately” on local roads. “All drivers should take responsibility for how they drive,” Coutts said. “There’s only so much you can do with engineering.”
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