Council / Islanders urged to fill out transport connectivity survey
LOCAL people are being urged to respond fully to an important consultation that will help shape Shetland’s future inter-island connectivity.
The inter-islands transport connectivity survey will stay open for the next six weeks to allow as many people as possible to respond.
The survey is the first step in building a “robust strategic business case” for the inter-island transport network “upon which decisions can be taken on future connectivity options between Shetland’s islands”.
Photo: Shetland News
As Shetland’s ageing fleet of ferries struggle to keep services running, the call to build tunnels linking some of the larger islands has become ever louder.
Chair of the council’s environment and transport committee, Moraig Lyall, said she appreciated people would feel carrying out a survey on the issue is a long and complex process.
“However, we need to remember that we are asking for support from UK and Scottish Governments for very large investments that we can’t afford on our own,” she said.
“We are required by government to follow a strict series of steps demonstrating a strong and resilient case for funding for future connectivity for our islands.”
The survey – which can be found online here – focusses on people’s current travel behaviour, their views of the existing ferry services and the transport challenges they face on a day-to-day basis.
In addition, consultants from Stantec will engage with island communities through a series of public drop-in sessions across the isles in the New Year.
The information gathered will then be put together in a strategic business case. If that is approved by councillors, the team will then move on to focussing on identifying preferred options for individual islands.
Councillor Lyall said: “This first survey focusses on identifying the challenges our existing inter-island transport systems pose to how we live and how our economy is shaped – our work, recreation, business and everyday activities.
“It gives us the information needed to understand and evidence the problems. The next stage will then look at what the various options might be for the future.
“I’d urge everyone to complete the survey so we can start with a strong basis of evidence for change.”
Paper copies, with pre-paid return envelopes, are available by contacting IITCShetland@stantec.com or calling 0131 335 4200.
Fair Isle is being considered through a separate process and in consultation with the island community.
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